Actor James Nesbitt has given his support to an SDLP candidate in the Stormont Assembly election.
In a video message, he encouraged voters to give their first preference next week to SDLP Strangford candidate Conor Houston.
The Bloodlands actor said Mr Houston has "incredible passion" and "builds for the future".
Read more: SDLP Stormont Assembly election manifesto - key points
Mr Nesbitt said he had worked with the SDLP candidate on an initiative called Connected Citizens, and credited him with bringing a global youth conference to Belfast in 2023.
He said: "So it's election time again in Northern Ireland. Please God not the same old, same old.
"I really really hope that the next Assembly is the most progressive one we've ever had. That it finally makes sectarian politics a thing of the past here and it delivers on the peace dividend that people voted for across this island in 1998.
"My very good friend Conor Houston is the SDLP candidate for Strangford. I've worked with him closely on Connected Citizens.
"He is a man of great integrity, compassionate, he's got incredible passion, and he is someone who will bring a most progressive approach to Northern Ireland politics here.
"Please make Conor Huston your number-one vote, the man responsible in many ways for bringing the Young One World summit to Belfast next year.
"He builds for the future. Make him your number-one vote."
Posting the video message on Twitter, Mr Houston thanked Mr Nesbitt for his support.
He tweeted: "Thanks to my friend, actor James Nesbitt for endorsing my campaign."
Last month former Ulster and Ireland rugby star Andrew Trimble also encouraged people in an online video message to vote for Mr Houston.
The SDLP on Tuesday launched its Assembly election manifesto, which placed tackling cost-of-living pressures as the party's top priority.
Speaking at the launch in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said "nobody" has been raising with him during canvassing Brexit's Protocol or who will be First Minister.
Read more: SDLP Stormont Assembly election manifesto - key points
Read more: No voters have raised Brexit Protocol during election campaign, says SDLP leader
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