Phil Mitchell legend Steve McFadden has spoken out over those EastEnders exit rumours that left fans fearing the worst.

A week ago, the fan favourite finally got the recognition he deserved after 35 years playing the iconic soap role. A visibly emotional Steve was awarded the National Television Award for Serial Drama Performance.

His beaming co-stars said it was “about time”, and viewers agreed, as an emotional Steve collected the award and shared a moving speech about his time on the BBC soap. It followed a tough storyline for the character, and the actor portraying him, as Phil battled depression, psychosis and suicidal thoughts.

After more than three decades, Steve was recognised for his incredible performances and was given a standing ovation from the crowd. As he spoke on stage, the visibly overwhelmed actor couldn’t believe his win, while his comments left some fans concerned he was exiting the show.

But speaking to the St Albans Times, Steve addressed the rumours and explained his emotional speech, that to some seemed like a goodbye to his famous soap role. Steve explained he was caught up in the moment, before making it clear he was going nowhere.

Steve shared how he hoped to stay with the soap for a long time to come, and had no plans to give up playing one of soap’s original bad boys. Saying the tone of his speech gave the wrong impression, he shared: “Because you’re reflective, it makes you sound like you’re leaving, but I’m not leaving anytime soon.

“It was genuine emotion and there’s nothing like your friends and colleagues being nice to you to soften you up.” So fear not soap fans, Phil will be gracing our screens for a long time to come.

On the big night at the NTAs, Steve issued a powerful winner’s speech both onscreen and to press in the winner’s room. The Mirror were lucky enough to witness the latter, even grabbing a moment with him to congratulate him on his well-deserved triumph.