EastEnders legend takes swipe at Soap Awards after shock ‘snub’

Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has reacted to the news her co-star and friend Steve McFadden has not been nominated for a British Soap Award.

The awards ceremony is returning this year after a break from our screens. A few days ago, the longlists were revealed which features stars from the likes of Corrie, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale all in with a chance of taking home a shiny gong.

While some of the winners are decided by a panel of judges, fans have the opportunity to vote for Best British Soap, Villain of the Year, Best Comedy Performance and Best Leading Performance.

It’s the latter category that has sparked a reaction from Heather Trott star Cheryl, as Phil Mitchell actor Steve is not in the nominees list.

The star played Heather Trott in the soap (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

As a result, Cheryl took to Instagram to wonder why Steve had not been considered.

His Walford character was at the centre of a mental health storyline for the majority of last year and the start of 2025, which saw him hallucinate characters from his past and attempt to end his life.

Taking to Instagram, Cheryl wondered: ‘Seriously? Are the soap awards having a laugh? Steve McFadden has not even been put on the longlist? Let alone the shortlist? Let alone winning it?! Sorry, are people seeing what I’m seeing, when I’m watching EastEnders?

‘Everybody is doing a fantastic job but why has Steve McFadden been overlooked, for what is a crucial storyline and is essential for the general public to be watching, by an actor who is playing it phenomenally.

Phil has been part of a huge mental health storyline (Picture: BBC) Heather was killed by Phil’s son Ben Mitchell (Picture: BBC)

‘I don’t get it! I’m sorry, soap awards, you’ve done a real boo boo here mate’, she added.

Followers of the soap star were quick to respond in agreement with her, but some pointed out that Steve has potentially been considered for another award, or his mental health storyline will be noted for the ceremony next year.

‘Ever thought he might be getting a special award???’, one user of Instagram said.

Another wondered: ‘Maybe there’s a cut off point for the story line, so he’ll get it next yr?’.

Cheryl uploaded another video to her social media page shortly after this, highlighting that she understands there is a timeframe for the nominations, but believes it should be made clearer for the public.

The event, hosted by presenter Jane McDonald, will take place on Saturday, May 31st at London’s Hackney Empire, and will be broadcast on ITV1 in June.

You can vote here.