© Rex Features
Last night, Shepherd appeared annoyed after the Walford drama was named as the 'Most Popular Serial Drama' at the event. ITV1's live broadcast of the ceremony showed the actor shaking his head and looking unhappy as the Albert Square cast stood up to collect the gong.
However, speaking afterwards on ITV2's National Television Awards Party, the actor claimed that he was only being playful as he knew his reaction would be broadcast.
He explained: "That was just for the cameras. I knew they'd pan to Corrie eventually."
In total, EastEnders won three awards on the night as Lacey Turner (Stacey Branning) secured the 'Serial Drama Performance' prize and Ricky Norwood (Fatboy Chubb) was voted 'Most Popular Newcomer'.
> 'Enders star "shocked" by NTA triumph
