EastEnders cast terror as ‘suspected stalker’ targets them at National Television Awards

The cast of EastEnders were reportedly granted extra security at the National Television Awards due to concerns about a stalker.

According to a report, the cast of the long-running BBC soap – which stars the likes of Ian Beale actor Adam Woodyatt and Kat Slater actress Jessie Wallace – had extra protection at the glitzy awards. A large number of the cast attended the ceremony at London’s O2 arena on Wednesday night in the hope of winning the coveted best Serial Drama award.

And while EastEnders lost out to Emmerdale on the night, the cast may have been feeling relieved as it has been suggested there were concerns they could be targeted at the event. It has been reported that security staff working at the event were made aware of a possible stalker and given photographs of what they looked like.

While the cast themselves reportedly had a “ring of steel” around them as extra security was hired to keep them safe. The precautions led to a smooth ceremony for the star.

A source discussed the security alert with The Sun, revealing: “Having that many A-listers in one place meant the O2 was already incredibly well guarded but the threat to the EastEnders cast meant additional measures were put in place. An image of the suspected stalker was sent among staff so they knew who to look out for. EastEnders cast tread the line between being instantly recognisable household names and also living fairly normal lives… But bosses have to draw the line somewhere and when the stalker made their plans clear to attend the event, something had to be done.”

The report suggests the individual bombarded cast members with messages online and informed them they had a ticket to the event. It is also reported that the individual expressed a desire to meet the children of some of the cast members. The Mirror has approached the BBC and organisers of the NTAs for comment.

EastEnders won best Serial Drama at the 2023 ceremony, but failed to repeat the trick at the 2024 event. Accepting the award on alongside other Emmerdale cast members, Ash Palmisciano, who plays Matty Barton on the ITV soap, 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.” Other big winners on the night included Ant and Dec who scooped the best presenter award for an impressive 23rd year in a row. While accepting the honour, the duo hinted they won’t win next year as they are planning to take time out of the spotlight.