A Yorkshire Terrier who starred alongside Emmerdale’s Edna Birch has been nominated for “Best Soap Exit” at the British Soap Awards
Bracken the Yorkshire terrier who played Batley in ITV’s long-running soap Emmerdale has made TV history by being the first animal to be nominated at the British Soap Awards.
Batley, who was played by Bracken a five-year-old bitch, was the Edna Birch’s constant companion until she was put to sleep in a heart wrenching story line in February this year.
The scene, which has been nominated for “Best Soap Exit” at the British Soap Awards in London this week, saw Bracken gazing sadly at the camera before placing a paw on her Edna’s arm before the vet administers an injection, which ends the terrier’s life.
An Emmerdale spokesperson said: “We are seriously delighted that Bracken has been nominated – it was very movingscene and she gave a stunning performance as Batley.”The programme makers have confirmed that Bracken will be attending the event, although they say she is planning to go “au naturel”, rather than dressed in a designer dog gown.
Bracken faces some tough opposition in this category, with rival nominations including Eastenders’ Steve Owen and Coronation Street‘s Alma Halliwell .
The awards, which are being televised will be shown on Wednesday evening on BBC 1, take place on Saturday 18 May are being hosted by Matthew Kelly.
Bracken scooped the “Best Soap Exit” at the award ceremony on Saturday night. Accompanied by the actress Shirley Stelfox who plays Edna, her win was greeted with a standing ovation from the audience.
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