TWO fans of the ITV-smash hit crime drama Broadchurch went on a national television show to help appeal for public votes for the Radio Times Audience Award.

Becca Overton and Natalie Manifold appeared on The One Show alongside actor Joe Sims, who played Nigel Carter in the drama set in West Bay.

They were invited to go on the show by producers who contacted them through the Broadchurch fan page they manage on Facebook, which has attracted more than 90,000 ‘likes’.

The show, created by Bridport-based writer Chris Chibnall, was shortlisted in three categories for the prestigious Bafta awards plus the Radio Times Audience Award, with the winners set to be announced at an awards ceremony on May 18.

Miss Overton and Miss Manifold were robbed of the chance to speak on national television due to the constraints of live television, but were stood next to Mr Sims as he delivered an impassioned speech appealing for votes.

Miss Overton said: “We were meant to talk about Broadchurch, but we didn’t get chance to because some parts overran so we were there supporting.

“We were going to talk about the tourism boost that the show gave the area, and to talk about how well the show was received on social media.”

Miss Overton and Miss Manifold, both from Lyme Regis, spent time in the Green Room and met the representatives from the other shows, including Mr Burton and Musharaf Asghar from Educating Yorkshire.

Miss Overton added: “It was an amazing experience to be on The One Show, and to meet Joe Sims and the other representatives from the other shows nominated.

“It was quite bizarre talking to everyone before the show, but everyone was really nice.

“Mr Burton and Musharaf Asghar were both lovely people, and Alex Jones who presents The One Show was really nice.”

On the show, Heat magazine TV critic and Bafta Judge Boyd Hilton said: “Broadchurch was the whodunit on ITV that captured the whole country’s imagination.

“I think they are strong candidates. We get crime dramas on TV week in, week out but this was one that absolutely broke through and became a national talking point.

“We were all obsessed with it and in the end it was brilliantly written and brilliantly acted so I think it stands a very good chance.”

Voting for the show is open until midday on May 15 and to vote for Broadchurch, visit radiotimes.com/ bafta