EastEnders star Maddy Hill could have a night to remember at the British Soap Awards this weekend after being nominated for the Best Newcomer prize.

After nearly five months on screen as no-nonsense Nancy Carter, the actress is in the running for the gong alongside Coronation Street's Amy Kelly, Emmerdale's Michael Parr and Hollyoaks' Charlie Clapham.

Digital Spy caught up with Maddy this week for an exclusive chat about her nomination and why the drama for the Carter family is only just beginning…

How does it feel to be up for Best Newcomer?
"I'm really excited and it came as a surprise when I found out, because I'd thought all of the nominations were already out, to be honest! When they released the viewer-voted nominations like Best Actor I thought that was it, so I had no idea that I'd be up for anything."

Have you given any thought to possibly winning the prize?
"I've got absolutely no expectations whatsoever because I don't really know how the process works and what they base it on. Everyone in the category is really strong so I think everyone has got a really good shot."

The Carters have definitely dominated the shortlist this year! Did that take you all by surprise?
"It was a total surprise, especially as it's happened so soon! I thought that we would have had to be in the show for a bit longer before we got any kind of nominations, so everyone is over the moon."

Do you think EastEnders is in with a good chance in general this year?
"I hope so, but I think Corrie's also had a really good year. The best one will win at the end of the day, but I think EastEnders has improved so hugely in the last few months that we really do deserve some recognition.

"Dom [Treadwell-Collins] has put in so much hard work since taking over as executive producer, so I think it'd be great if we could get some recognition for what he's been doing."

Mick protectively cuddles Nancy and Linda in front of the Carter family portrait.
© BBC
Nancy with Mick and Linda

How would you sum up the past few months since joining EastEnders?
"It's definitely been life-changing as it's not an ordinary job! (Laughs.) When we first joined, they did tell us that it would change our lives entirely and they were absolutely right, because it definitely does.

"You have to commit to the show wholeheartedly, but I think the more you put into the show, the more you get out of it. I'm having the best time as it's so much fun. EastEnders is such a stimulating environment to be in. I'm working with lovely, exciting people and I'm really having the best time of my life."

Do you get recognised much by fans in the street?
"Yeah - all the time! People are never rude but they can be a little invasive, so you just have to be friendly and accepting. You have to remember that people don't often get to meet people who are on TV - so even though it's an everyday occurrence for you, it's not for them. I just try to be as friendly as I possibly can."

Nancy is very different to many of the other characters on the Square. Have you had much input into her development?
"I have, as the team at EastEnders are really, really flexible and they're always looking for your input. Actually, when we started, Nancy wasn't going to be anything like the way she is now. She was always going to be very opinionated and confident, but she wasn't going to be what she has become now - so it's been a group effort of writers, producers, hair and make-up, and costume.

"It's great that the team are always prepared to listen and they always value your input."

How do you feel about the positive reaction to the Carters?
"The reaction has totally taken us by surprise - we had no idea how they'd be received. The producers actually told us that there usually can be a little bit of hostility towards new blood in the soaps, as people like what they know.

"I think there was a little bit of that as in the first week, I saw people online saying, 'Oh, I hate her!' But then things started to get more and more positive, from what I can tell. The reaction that I've seen on the street has been really positive about the Carters."

Nancy and Mick fight it out
© BBC
Nancy and Mick

What has Danny Dyer been like to work with as your on-screen dad?
"Absolutely fantastic! He's hilarious and a lovely guy. Danny is so thoughtful and I've learned so much from him because he's been in the business for so long. He's been great at supporting me and Sam [Strike, who plays Johnny] through everything. Danny is just a really lovely, funny and clever man."

We know everyone asks you this, but is there any news on Nancy and Dexter's future? Do you think they'd make a good couple?
"I still have no idea what's going to happen, but I think there's going to be quite a bit on the cards. They've been in a lot of scenes together and I can't see nothing coming of that! I think there'll be a little bit of reciprocation on Nancy's part - it's not the type of thing that would just be left alone in the show, so you'll see more."

Do you think Lucy Beale's killer could be part of the Carter family?
"I very much doubt it, based on what we've seen so far. I think Lee as the killer would be too obvious, but the only people who know for sure are the producers upstairs. The rest of us might not find out until February next year!"

Nancy looks uneasily at Lee after she hears him answering the police questions.
© BBC
Nancy recently questioned Lee's alibi

We've seen a lot of fans saying they'd like to see Nancy get a big storyline soon. Is there anything on the horizon?
"There is - there are Carter storylines where Nancy has to support the rest of the family coming up sooner, but after that, there'll be a window for Nancy's big storyline - so hold on for that!"

A lot of the family seem to have secrets. Do you think there's more to learn about Nancy?
"Not that I know - there are no skeletons in the closet! What's coming up is more a case of what's going to happen to her, but there aren't any secrets as such. Or at least not that I know of - they could be keeping it a secret from me!

"There is another big Carter family secret being revealed in Thursday's episode, though, so that's another one to watch out for..."