HE may not have the high profile of some of the town’s more famous acting stars but Paul Riordan has played his part in ensuring Hollyoaks was named best programme at the British Soap Awards.

The 35-year-old is another product of the De La Salle production line of creative talent along with Emma Rigby, Michael Parr who stars in Emmerdale and Stephanie Davis from Hollyoaks.

As one of the directors on Hollyoaks, he was nominated for the most spectacular scene at this year’s awards just losing out to Emmerdale.

But Paul, who won in the same category last year, still had chance to celebrate when he joined cast and crew on stage for the top prize of best soap opera.

He stressed: “I have been there for around three to four years so I suppose I’ve played a part. But there are a number of directors and I’m just one of them.

“Although my scene won last year we have never won the best soap. I couldn’t physically direct so many episodes of Hollyoaks on my own. It takes eight weeks to film one week’s worth.

“But they do give me the big storylines. However without Bryan Kirkwood the executive producer, we wouldn’t have won.”

Paul studied Media Professional Studies at Liverpool John Moores University.

He is the father of Zach Riordan, seven, who appeared in the Star in 2011 after joining family and friends in a charity walk to raise cash to help find a cure for his diabetes.

Also a freelance drama director, Paul is currently working on a children’s drama show.

During his stint on Hollyoaks he has also worked with Emma Rigby, who is now making a bid to crack Hollywood.

He said: “Emma’s a really talented actor and I knew she was going to do well. I also worked with Carley Stenson who has gone on to the West End.

“I think it’s great for St Helens that these people are coming out of the show.”