EastEnders legend Adam Woodyatt has said that he had ‘no idea’ as he paid a ‘magical’ tribute to his co-star of over 30 years.

The popular Ian Beale actor has been on the BBC soap since its first episode all the way back in 1985 and has experienced every era of the programme.

Wednesday night (September 10) saw Adam heading to London’s O2 with his castmates for the annual National Television Awards.

EastEnders was the big winner of the soap awards on the night, taking home its fourteenth Best Serial Drama statue at the end of the evening.

Adam joined his castmates onstage, as Patrick Trueman actor Rudolph Walker branded them a ‘big family’ after viewers voted for them over Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Casualty.

The big moment of the evening arrived earlier in the ceremony, when Steve McFadden won his first NTA award for his work as Phil Mitchell, who he began playing in 1990.

Out of all the people in the room, Adam appeared to have the biggest reaction to his Best Serial Performance win, lifting both his arms into the air and shouting with excitement.

Steve McFadden and Adam Woodyatt during the NTA’s 2025(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)

Steve immediately became teary eyed as he walked to the stage to collect his award from Zoe and Kat Slater duo Michelle Ryan and Jessie Wallace.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday night, Adam reflected on seeing his long-term friend finally being recognised by the NTAs and opened up about the moment.

He captioned the post: “I have no idea who captured this image, @aaronthiara_ found it and made it b/w but it just perfectly captures the moment Steve finally got the award he has deserved for so long.

“To see the whole audience standing to applaud him was magical. #eastenders #nta #stevemcfadden.”

Adam added in an edit to his post later in the day: “I’ve now found out who captured this moment… @john_phillips_london take a bow.”

The comments section of Adam’s post saw his famous friends and fans having their sale on the wholesome snap and wishing him well.

Bianca Jackson actress Patsy Palmer said with clapping hands emojis: “Very nice!” Mel Owen’s Tamzin Outhwaite added: “Great shot! Congratulations to Steve and all of you.”

Zoe Slater’s Michelle wrote: “Brilliant image. Captured a unique moment.” Corrie’s Sally Ann Matthews posted: “Fabulous photo.”

@jbella2002 commented: “Makes me cry everytime. It hit a nerve the way Steve holds himself in every single storyline he has been handed, just pure master of his craft.” @alisdair.xo stated: “He absolutely deserved it after his outstanding performances during his storyline.”