Chris Chittell isn’t just an actor; he’s a survival expert in soap opera terms. He’s one of the longest-serving cast members in Emmerdale history, and he’s seen it all. Get this: he’s survived plane crashes, explosions, and more dodgy business deals than a Wall Street trader on coffee.
And here’s the ironic part—Chittell is nothing like his character. In real life, he’s reportedly a gentle, quiet bloke who loves gardening. Meanwhile, Eric Pollard has blackmailed half the village and sold fake antiques to the other half. Talk about acting chops, right? (Side comment: If Chris ever scams me in real life, I’d actually thank him for the commitment.)
From Bit Player to Big Boss
When Chittell first joined the show, Eric was just a minor rogue. A small-time con artist who swindled widows out of their savings for cheap paintings. But over the decades, Chittell turned him into a layered, tragic figure. You’ve cried for him, haven’t you? Don’t lie—we all did during his cancer storyline.
He’s also the only character in soap history to legally change his surname to “Pollard” because the village wouldn’t stop calling him it. That’s a level of dedication that deserves a standing ovation. (Or at least a free pint at The Woolpack.)
Emmerdale airs heartbreaking Parkinson's diagnosis for Eric Pollard
