A Career-Defining Moment
It was a night to remember at the National Television Awards as EastEnders star Steve McFadden finally scooped his first-ever NTA. The actor, 66, has played Phil Mitchell for an astonishing 35 years, but this week marked the first time he held the coveted trophy in his hands.
McFadden won in the Serial Drama Performance category, triumphing over tough competition that included his co-star Jacqueline Jossa and Coronation Street’s Jack P. Shepherd. His victory was met with a standing ovation, and the veteran actor could not hold back his emotions.
An Emotional Acceptance Speech
The actor hugged his long-time co-star Jessie Wallace, who presented the award alongside Michelle Ryan. As he took to the stage, McFadden’s voice broke with emotion.
“I’ve sat in the front row many, many times with my feet on the bottom stair and never won this prize,” he told the cheering crowd. “This is an excellent turn of events.”
He went on to thank his colleagues on EastEnders, describing them as “generous, brilliant, stunning, wonderful” before admitting he was both “touched and over the moon.”
A Storyline That Struck a Chord
McFadden’s win comes on the heels of one of the toughest and most moving storylines of his career. Earlier this year, EastEnders tackled Phil Mitchell’s battle with depression and psychosis.
The storyline saw Phil spiral as he faced a collapsing marriage, Sharon’s new romance with his cousin Teddy, and the stress of his son Ben’s imprisonment in America. In heartbreaking scenes, Phil began to isolate himself from loved ones, experiencing vivid hallucinations that convinced him his life was no longer worth living.
Ultimately, he attempted suicide — a devastating moment that sent shockwaves through his family and fans alike.
Behind the Scenes Support
To ensure authenticity and sensitivity, EastEnders collaborated closely with mental health charities including The Samaritans, Mind, CALM, and Rethink Mental Illness. Their involvement helped shape the narrative, allowing the show to portray Phil’s struggle with care and realism.
The storyline didn’t just affect Phil. It rippled through Walford, showing how families often struggle to understand or support a loved one facing severe mental illness. Viewers praised the show for its honest approach, and McFadden’s performance was singled out as one of the strongest of his career.
30 Years of the NTAs
McFadden’s triumph also landed during a milestone year for the National Television Awards, which are celebrating their 30th anniversary. Since their creation in 1995, the NTAs have stood out for being decided by the British public rather than industry insiders.
The night was billed as a “celebration of the nation’s most loved stars and shows,” with fans voting online, by post, and via phone.
Other Big Winners of the Night
While McFadden’s moment stole the spotlight, there were plenty of surprises at the ceremony. Alison Hammond celebrated after This Morning took home the Daytime Award, joking that “the natural order has been restored.”
Meanwhile, Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly faced an unexpected upset. After winning the TV Presenter category 23 years in a row, they lost out this time to Gary Lineker. Last year, the duo had predicted, “We know one year we’re not going to win it” — and 2025 turned out to be that year.
A Legacy Sealed in History
For Steve McFadden, the win is more than just a trophy. It cements his legacy as one of British television’s most iconic soap actors. From his earliest days in Albert Square to one of the most powerful mental health storylines in soap history, McFadden has kept audiences captivated for decades.
And now, with a National Television Award finally in his hands, fans and colleagues alike agree — it’s recognition that was long overdue.
