EMMERDALE legend Chris Chittell has signed a new deal to keep him in the village into his 40th year.
The actor – who plays scheming businessman Eric Pollard in the ITV soap – will mark the momentous milestone next year in September 2026.
A source said: “Chris is Emmerdale and there was no way he wasn’t going to make it to 40 years in the village.
“It’s such a big achievement and he loves being on the show just as much as he did when he first joined.
“There are big things coming for Eric well into next year.”
The signing comes as the ITV soap has undergone cuts that will see it drop to five episodes a week from January.
He first appeared on the soap in 1986 as a villain for just a 12 episode stint but quickly made an impression on bosses who signed him up for a full-time return.
Over the years he has been at the centre of some of Emmerdale’s biggest storylines including the heartbreaking death of wife Val Pollard in the helicopter crash.
His most recent storyline has seen him diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The long-running storyline has seen Eric slowly decline as the incurable condition progresses.
Earlier this year Chris’ real-life wife Lesley Dunlop quit the soap as his on-screen partner Brenda Walker after 16 years.
Back in 2017 Chris hinted at his own retirement, saying: “I can see Pollard heading downhill in five or 10 years’ time.
“But you’re only ever as good as your last storyline. I’ve always said that when the writers stop writing for Pollard, I’d leave.
“And although I’d hate it, I’d just shake everyone’s hand and say thank you very much, as the journey has been wonderful.
Eric Pollard's biggest Emmerdale storylines
By Conor O’Brien
As Emmerdale’s current longest-serving character, Eric Pollard has seen his fair share of drama.
Introduced in 1986, the character was originally portrayed as a villain – but this has been since downplayed.
Here is a look back at some of Eric’s biggest storylines from over the years.
- Long lost son: Having had an affair with Lydia Halliwell, Eric left unaware that she was pregnant. His son David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) arrived in the village during 2006 – and ended up staying until 2023.
- Marriages: Eric has tied the knot on five occasions. His five ex-wives are Eileen Pollock, Elizabeth Feldmann, Dee la Cruz, Gloria Weaver and Val Lambert. Eric’s current partner is Brenda Walker – played by actor Chris Chittell’s real-life wife Lesley Dunlop.
- Bigamy: Upon marrying Elizabeth in October 1992, she was unaware he was still legally married to first wife Eileen. As a result, he was therefore committing bigamy.
- Parkinson’s diagnosis: In 2023, Eric left fans heartbroken after it was revealed he’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s – the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.
“But when it does happen, I’ll just have to get the fishing rod out.”
An Emmerdale spokeswoman declined to comment.
