BOLTON actress Sammy Winward was pipped to a prestigious accolade at the National Television Awards last night.

The Emmerdale star and Turton High School Media Arts College student was entered into the Most Popular Newcomer category.

But the 16-year-old was beaten by EastEnders rival Kim Medcalf who recently took up the role of Sam Mitchell.

Sammy, who recently split from boyfriend Kelvin Fletcher -- the star who plays her on-screen lover, has had an eventful year.

Her character, Katie Addyman, has become a teenage mum only to lose the baby through a miscarriage.

Awards were up for grabs in 13 categories including Most Popular Actor (David Jason) and Most Popular Actress (Kacey Ainsworth (EastEnders)).

Most Popular Entertainment Programme went to Pop Idol -- a show which led Worsley's Sarah Whatmore to number six in the UK charts.

The winners of the National Television Awards were:

:: Most Popular Quiz Programme - Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

:: Most Popular Drama - Auf Wiedersehen, Pet

:: Most Popular Newcomer - Kim Medcalf (EastEnders)

:: Most Popular Talk Show - V Graham Norton

:: Most Popular Comedy Programme - Cold Feet

:: Most Popular Entertainment Programme - Pop Idol

:: Most Popular Factual Programme - Big Brother

:: Most Popular Actor - David Jason

:: Most Popular Entertainment Presenter - Ant and Dec

:: Most Popular Daytime Programme - Bargain Hunt

:: Most Popular Comedy Performer - David Jason

:: Most Popular Actress - Kacey Ainsworth (EastEnders)