The popular actor received a standing ovation upon winning his award(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)

National Television Awards viewers said on social media that they love an EastEnders legend ‘even more’ after he broke down in tears.

Currently in the midst of its 40th anniversary, which included a special live episode, two of the BBC soap’s stars were nominated in the Best Serial Drama Performance category at the NTAs.

Jaqueline Jossa and Steve McFadden, were up against Emmerdale’s Eden Taylor-Draper, Coronation Street duo Jack P Shepherd and Sue Devaney.

In an award that was voted for by the public, viewers gave the gong to Steve, who has played Phil Mitchell since 1990.

Steve’s win arrives in a year where Phil has been struggling with mental health, even attempting to take his own life in February.

In spite of being one of EastEnders most legendary actors, Steve had previously only been nominated for two NTAs, losing out on Most Popular Actor in 2001 and 2002.

Receiving one of the biggest cheers of the night, Steve became teary eyed as he walked to the stage to collect his prize.

(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)

Collecting the award from Kat and Zoe Slater duo Jessie Wallace and Michelle Ryan, Steve said he was ‘touched and over the moon’.

Thanking everyone else nominated alongside him, Steve said he was ‘truly grateful’ as he thanked the ‘generous, brilliant, stunning, wonderful’ EastEnders team.

Those watching the NTAs at home rushed to X, previously known at Twitter, to congratulate Steve on his achievement.

@Mrs_AhmedZaman said: “Seeing Adam Woodyatt crying at Steve McFadden winning has truly set me off. I can’t cope. #NTAs #EastEnders.” @Inscarll added: “YES STEVE MCFADDEN !!! & such a humble guy #Eastenders #NTAs #ntaawards.”

@_msashleybailey wrote: “Steve McFadden seems SO down to earth, I love him even more now #NTAs.” @MCJPeel posted: “The whole of the UK watching Steve McFadden collect his long overdue award #NTAs #NationalTVAwards.”

@putasinghonit commented: “ITS SIR STEVE MCFADDEN IN THIS HOUSEHOLD MIND YOU!!! #NTAs #Eastenders.” @AngieCQuinn stated: “About time!!! what a guy Steve McFadden is #NTAs.”

Steve’s character Phil is currently looking after his friend Nigel Bates amid his battle with dementia, bringing him on a heartwarming trip to the country this week.