Hollyoaks star Roxanne McKee has credited the British Soap Awards for improving the image of the show.

The actress, who plays Louise Summers, admitted that the Channel 4 soap was mainly known for its attractive cast before it scooped six prizes at the ceremony in May.

"It used to have that image but recently it won six awards for writing and acting," Roxanne told Take 5 magazine. "It has been perceived as a show just about looks, but then it's a very young cast - and youth is always attractive. In Emmerdale, EastEnders and Corrie the cast is older, but the young people in those soaps are beautiful too."

Asked if she would consider another soap role after leaving Hollyoaks, McKee replied: "Not for a long time. I'm too tired. You work from 6am to 8.30pm, then you have to learn lines. Sometimes I'd cry for the whole day on set."

The star has previously stated that she would like to appear in a period drama once she reaches the end of her contract.