EastEnders take home NTAs big soap award - as one star skips ceremony

It's one of the most eagerly anticipated gongs of the night at the National Television Awards. And this year, at London's O2, Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks, Coronation Street or Casualty battled it out to be awarded the Best Serial Drama title.

EastEnders landed the accolade, much to the delight of those in attendance. Rudolph Walker, who plays the role of Patrick Truman, accepted the award on stage, labelling the soap a "happy and together family".

"On behalf of this fantastic family, watch this space," he then teased. However, fans were quick to notice one star wasn't in attendance.

"Omg just had the realisation that Jamie Borthwick won’t be there for Strictly OR EastEnders when they win their awards #NTAs," one fan shared on Twitter/X.

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EastEnders' win follows Emmerdale's win at last year's bash. At the time, Matty star Ash Palmisciano collected the award. Taking to the stage, he said: "We just want to thank our audience – without you this show would not exist.

"We are so grateful to you, and we know that some of you have watched us since the very beginning. No matter what's going on in your life, we've been there.

"And we promise you that we will continue to make fantastic television, we will continue to tell the stories that resonate with you, and we will continue to tell the stories that matter."

EastEnders was victorious in the same category at this year's British Soap Awards. The awards ceremony, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of EastEnders, also saw the show best the top gong in categories such as Best Dramatic Performance.

Actor Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell won the award, as well as being the main focus point for the BBC soap's Best Single Episode for Phil's Psychosis.

Elsewhere in the 2025 NTAs, EastEnders stars Steve McFadden and Jacqueline Jossa, Coronation Street pair Jack P Shepherd and Sue Devaney, as well as Corrie’s Jack P Shepherd were competing against each other for Best Serial Drama Performance.

EastEnders was victorious again, with a shocked Steve taking to the stage to accept the award.

And in the Best Presenter category, for the first time in 23 years, the Geordie duo Ant and Dec were left empty handed in the category. Winner Gary Lineker even joked he had won the "Ant and Dec trophy" in his winner's speech. However, despite his award coming from his time on the BBC's main football show, he has admitted he won't work with the organisation again following his early exit.

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