ACTRESS Anna Friel felt "threatened and shocked" while being stalked for nearly three years, a court heard.
Obsessed Phil Appleton, 71, turned up at her home several times — once in a dinner jacket.
He blew kisses, mouthed "I love you" at security cameras and left "gifts" including empty cigarette packs and a ring.
He also sent numerous messages after asking friends what to write as he was "fearful of being accused of being a weirdo".
Ms Friel, 49 — who played Beth Jordache in Channel 4 soap opera Brookside and won an Emmy for ITV and Netflix drama series Marcella — did not appear in person at Reading crown court, Berks.
But she wrote in an impact statement: "As a woman in the acting industry where there have been a lot of cases of stalking, it still shocked me when it happened to me.
"This case made me feel very threatened and as though I have to look over my shoulder all the time."
His defence lawyer, James Bloomer KC, told the court his client felt "unreserved apology and shame about his behaviour."
He added: "He wishes nothing more than to return to the law-abiding life he has lived all these years."
Appleton, now living with his mum in Steeple Bumpstead, Essex, was given a 15-year restraining order and a two-year community order.
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