"I hope I do Bradford proud."
It is an exciting time for Shebz Miah as he is nominated for a gong at the 2025 British Soap Awards.
Shebz made his debut in ITV’s Emmerdale as Kammy Hadiq on March 18, 2025.
Shebz Miah grew up in a working class family in Bradford and has Bangladeshi heritage.
The actor divulged his feelings about being shortlisted for ‘Best Newcomer’ at the award ceremony.
He explained: “It’s such an honour. I’m just happy to be invited to the Soap Awards.
“When I was told I’d been nominated, I said, ‘What?’
“It’s amazing. All those years of hard work have paid off.
“It’s not just for me – it’s a nod to the people of Bradford.
“As Bradfordians, we have to work twice as hard, especially someone who looks like me and has my background.
“I’m beyond proud to have this nomination. I’m living my dream.”
Speaking about his growing-up years, Shebz continued: “I always enjoyed storytelling.
“I was the kid cracking jokes, telling stories, and making my friends laugh.
“When I got to secondary school, I found out that there was a drama club and, I’ll be honest, it seemed a good excuse to skive off lessons.
“But when I went along, it ignited a flame in me.
“I loved the thrill of it, but as I got older, I went down a more traditional route.
“In my final year of university, I saved a Facebook post for acting classes and decided to give it a go.
“There was something in me that didn’t want to give up on my dream of acting.
“I’m so glad I listened to my instincts.”
Shebz Miah pursued acting classes in the evenings, while working as a supply teacher in the day.
He carried out CBT training, learning about mental health.
He said: “It’s something I’d been interested in for a while. It has helped me as an actor.
“As actors we play characters with a range of emotions and we need to know why they do what they do and what makes them tick.
“Having that CBT background and being able to tap into a knowledge of human behaviour makes performances seem more real.”
One of Kammy’s notable scenes in Emmerdale has been a dirt bike race.
He also caught the eye of Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill).
Delving into this, Shebz said: “I started off on a quad bike. I got to drive some cool cars and took part in a dirt bike race.
“I’m living every Bradford lad’s dream! The bike race was great. It was filmed near Tong.
“I tried my hardest to sweet talk the director into letting me do some of the race scenes but we had to leave them to the stunt guys.
“Emmerdale do action scenes really well – when they go for it, they do it brilliantly.
“Kammy came in as a bad boy but he has complex layers.
“There’s a reason why he puts on the bad boy front. His confidence is a mask.
“We’ll see the cracks start to show. He and Sarah both have a sense of adventure, but he knows right from wrong.
“When I got the role, I did some workshopping with the writers and producers and we discussed ideas.
“As a Bradford South Asian lad, I was able to put my input into Kammy.
“Young lads in Bradford often put on a hard exterior.
“It’s been good to have an influence on what I think is authentic about Kammy.
“We’re getting to see different layers to him now. It’s done beautifully with the writing.
“Kammy has been let down multiple times but he has a strong moral compass.
“He’s a bit like Cain, he’s tough but has a softer side.
“Getting to rub shoulders with the Dingles right from the start, I feel so privileged to be in this position.
“I love the scenes with Cain in the garage.
“Jeff Hordle, [who plays Cain], has been so supportive – he’s great to work with.
“Everyone has made me feel comfortable and at ease. The cast and crew are brilliant.
“Everyone works so hard. Emmerdale does it all so well – the action scenes, the comedy, thrills, emotions, and highlights social issues.
“Soaps are really powerful in getting important issues out there.”
Shebz Miah also revealed his thoughts about television opportunities for South Asian actors.
These include performers from Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan communities.
He continued: “It’s moving in the right direction. I think Bradford 2025 has helped.
“It’s been immense for the city and has provided opportunities for young people from backgrounds like mine.
“I grew up in BD3. I want to inspire other kids from Bradford.
“My family are really proud. My sister is a massive Emmerdale fan.
“Being nominated for the Soap Awards – it’s a massive honour. I hope I do Bradford proud.”
When his casting in Emmerdale was annouced, Shebz Miah had commented:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Emmerdale.
“Everyone has been so welcoming and I already feel like a part of the family.
“I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better job.
“The character is such an exciting one to play and Kammy will definitely ruffle a few feathers.
“But he does have the gift of the gab so although he causes a lot of mischief, I think it will be hard not to like him.”
Katie Hill, who plays Sarah, added: “I can’t wait for the audience to meet Kammy.
“He’s a really fun character and a great addition to the village.
“We might even see him and Sarah get up to a bit of mischief together.”
“It has been great having Shebz join the cast and he’s been brilliant to work with!”
The 2025 British Soap Awards will be presented on May 31, 2025, and will be broadcast on ITV on Thursday, June 5, at 8 pm.
The ceremony will be presented by Jane McDonald.
Emmerdale, EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Hollyoaks will battle it out for some coveted prizes including ‘Best British Soap’.
You can find out more information here.
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