EastEnders icon Steve McFadden, who has played Phil Mitchell on the BBC soap since 1990, won the Serial Drama Performance category at the National Television Awards
EastEnders icon Steve McFadden has claimed victory in the Serial Drama Performance category at the National Television Awards for the first time.
The 66-year-old star, who has portrayed Phil Mitchell on the BBC soap since 1990, was chosen as winner by viewers after three and a half decades on the programme.
Steve faced stiff competition from fellow nominees including: Emmerdale’s Belle Dingle actress Eden Taylor-Draper, Coronation Street’s David Platt actor Jack P Shepherd, and Debbie Webster performer Sue Devaney, alongside his EastEnders colleague Jacqueline Jossa, who portrays Lauren Branning.
EastEnders legends Jessie Wallace and Michelle Ryan, who portray Kat Moon and Zoe Slater respectively, revealed Steve as the Serial Drama Performance category champion, leaving the actor visibly emotional.
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He received comfort from his delighted colleagues Adam Woodyatt, who portrays Ian Beale, and Scott Maslen, who plays Jack Branning, as he appeared genuinely moved by the revelation, reports Plymouth Live.
As Steve walked towards the stage to receive his accolade, the crowd at the O2 Arena, in South London, rose to their feet in appreciation.
While accepting his prize, Steve embraced Jessie and Michelle, before expressing that he was “touched and over the moon” to claim the award and felt “honoured just to be in the same category as the other nominees.”
He continued to express his gratitude to “everybody that voted for me”, stating he is “truly grateful”. He also extended his thanks to his “generous, brilliant, stunning, wonderful” EastEnders co-stars and the show’s team for “giving Phil Mitchell 35 years of stupidity.”
The National Television Awards viewers were moved to tears by Steve’s emotional response to his win. One viewer confessed on social media: “Why am I crying at Steve McFadden winning an NTA.”
Another admitted: “I’m really in bed eating pancakes, with a hair mask on, crying at Steve McFadden crying at winning his NTA.”
A third joined in: “Was anyone else crying and screaming at the TV when Steve McFadden won. Literally so well deserved.”
“Seeing Adam Woodyatt crying at Steve McFadden winning has truly set me off. I can’t cope,” shared one fan.
“WE LOVE YOU PHIL. Steve McFadden gave such an emotional performance that had me sobbing. Well done,” another viewer declared.
EastEnders airs Monday to Friday on BBC One and iPlayer
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