Adam Woodyatt dedicated ‘EastEnders’ National Television Award (NTA) win to Anne Kirkbride last night (21.01.15).
The Walford stalwart gave a speech on behalf of the show’s cast to accept the Serial Drama prize and thanked producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins while also praising the late ‘Coronation Street’ actress – whose character Deirdre Barlow was dubbed ‘The Weatherfield One’ when she was wrongly jailed for fraud in 1998 – following her death on Monday (19.01.15) aged 60.
He said: "Thank you so much for voting for us in what is going to be our 30th year. A big thank you to Dom and his team. He’s the man who’s picked our programme up and dragged us back up here, because we haven’t been up here for this for something like four years. So a big thank you to Dom and all his team from us.
"I’d also like to say a big thank you to ‘Coronation Street’, because without you there’d be no ‘EastEnders’. There’d be no Phil and Ian. There’d be no Mick and Linda, no Kat and Alfie – without your enduring characters like Ken and Deirdre. So if you don’t mind, we’d like to accept this for the Weatherfield One."
The soap veteran – who plays Ian Beale – was later praised by ‘Coronation Street’ stars for his kind words.
Jennie McAlpine tweeted: "That was lovely Adam and Eastenders #theweatherfieldone (sic)".
Les Dennis took to the micro-blogging site to write: "@AdamWoodyatt Stunning tribute to Anne Kirkbride and @itvcorrie Beautifully selfless from @bbceastenders Theweatherfield1 (sic)"
And ‘Coronation Street’s own Twitter page also thanked the actor while congratulating their soap rival.
They wrote: "Well done @bbceastenders for winning Best Serial Drama. Thank you for the lovely tribute #RIPAnneKirkbride #WeatherfieldOne #NTAs (sic)"
Elsewhere at the ceremony, William Roache, who plays Anne’s on-screen husband Ken Barlow, paid a special tribute to his friend.
Speaking on stage at the event in London, he said: "The nation seemed to want us together and I feel so blessed, honoured and privileged to have had those years working with Anne.
"What we will remember most is the vibrant, warmhearted, loving person who came to work each day, gave us all a hug and brightened up our lives.
"We’ve been deeply touched by the outpouring of love for Anne since she passed away.
"We share your grief and sadness at losing such a beautiful person who will be so greatly missed by us all. I love you Anne. Thank you."
Adam Woodyatt dedicates NTA win to Anne Kirkbride
