EastEnders cast 'have ring of steel around them at NTAs as security is beefed up over concerning stalker fears'
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A 'ring of steel' was put up around the EastEnders cast at the National Television Awards on Wednesday due to a stalker, it has been claimed.
Several soap stars including Jessie Wallace, Adam Woodyatt and Jacqueline Jossa attended the ceremony at the 02 London.
But according to The Sun, the group have been plagued by an overzealous fan who it was feared might attend the ceremony.
Extra security was reportedly brought in to to protect the stars while pictures of the stalker were distributed among the detail to know who to look out for.
A source said: '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.
A 'ring of steel' was put up around the EastEnders cast at the National Television Awards on Wednesday due to a stalker, it has been claimed (Jacqueline Jossa pictured)
The cast have been plagued by an overzealous fan who it was feared might attend the ceremony (Jessie Wallace pictured)
'An image of the suspected stalker was sent among staff so they knew who to look out for.'
The stalker is said to have spammed the EastEnders stars' online to make it known they had got a ticket for the NTAs and were hoping to meet the actors.
The cast were also reportedly protected at nearby pub Enderby House where they all gathered for a pre-awards show drink.
The insider added: 'Bosses have to draw the line somewhere and when the stalker made their plans clear to attend the event, something had to be done.'
Safeguards are already in place at the NTAs where fans can buy tickets to attend the red carpet.
MailOnline has contacted a representative of EastEnders for comment.
Despite being nominated for multiple gongs, the BBC show failed to secure a single win, with viewers claiming it has been 'robbed'.
The programme was up for Best Serial Drama, which was controversially taken home by ITV's Emmerdale.
Extra security was reportedly brought in to to protect the stars while pictures of the stalker were distributed among the detail to know who to look out for (Adam Woodyatt pictured)
The stalker is said to have spammed the EastEnders stars' online to make it known they had got a ticket for the NTAs and were hoping to meet the actors (Bobby Brazier pictured)
The insider added: 'Bosses have to draw the line somewhere and when the stalker made their plans clear to attend the event, something had to be done'
Actress Angela Wynter was also in the running for the individual Best Serial Drama Performance category, for her portrayal of Yolande Trueman, alongside her co-star Diane Parish who plays Denise Fox.
But they both missed out, with Coronation Street 's Peter Ash instead bagging the award for his portrayal of Paul Foreman, following his character's emotional journey with motor neurone disease (MND).
Ant and Dec were awarded the Best Presenter honour for a record 23rd time as they led the big winners on the night.
While Ant and Dec continued their record-breaking winning streak, it was Mr Bates Vs The Post Office who were the big champions of the night, with three prizes.
Toby Jones was awarded the prize for Serial Drama Performance for his critically-acclaimed performance in the series.
The cast were also reportedly protected at nearby pub Enderby House where they all gathered for a pre-awards show drink
EastEnders didn't manage to take home the Serial Drama award on the night which was won by Emmerdale
Despite being nominated for multiple gongs, the BBC show failed to secure a single win, with viewers claiming it has been 'robbed' (The Six pictured L-R; Stacey Slater, Suki Kaur Panesar, Linda Carter, Sharon Watts, Denise Fox and Kathy Beale)
In his speech, the actor offered his congratulations to the real-life Post Office campaigner Sir Alan Bates, after he tied the knot with his longtime partner Susanne on Richard Branson's private island at the weekend.
Despite a year plagued with scandals and controversy, Strictly Come Dancing scooped the prize for Talent Show.
Amid fears for the show's future over accusations of abuse aimed at professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, the BBC show beat out Britain's Got Talent, The Great British Bake Off, Masterchef and The Voice to take one of the night's big prizes.
The NTAs are voted for by the public, with the win for Strictly a clear sign that viewers are still rooting for the show as it prepares to return for its 20th series on Saturday night.
