Latest news with #EricPollard
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Emmerdale legend 'signs new contract despite huge soap cuts and slashed episode count - as he prepares to mark huge milestone'
Emmerdale legend Chris Chittell has reportedly signed a new contract with the soap, as he prepares to mark 40 years since his debut on the show. The actor, 77, who plays scheming businessman Eric Pollard - will mark the momentous milestone next year in September 2026. This comes despite both Emmerdale and its ITV rival Coronation Street being hit by huge cuts, with both shows set to see their weekly number of episodes reduced from next year. Earlier this week it was also revealed that episodes for both shows will now be available to stream on YouTube each morning, before they are broadcast on ITV. While Chris has been at the centre of many storylines during his time on Emmerdale, including the devastating death of his wife Val. His most hard-hitting plot has come in recent months, when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, which has seen his health slowly decline. A source told The Sun: '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.' Earlier this week, ITV announced fans of both the Yorkshire Dales and Weatherfield cobbles will be able to stream the latest episode on YouTube. For decades diehard soap fans have had to tune in to each show's respective time slot in the evening for their latest fix. However, in a bid to rival the BBC and EastEnders, channel bosses last year started dropping each new episode of Emmerdale and Corrie on ITVX the morning before their linear broadcast that evening. Announcing the move, a spokesperson for both soaps told fans on social media: 'Soap fans, rejoice! 'Starting tomorrow, full episodes will be available on YouTube from 7am - the same day they air on TV!' Chris' most hard-hitting plot has come in recent months, when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, which has seen his health slowly decline Fans welcomed the move, including international viewers who have previously struggled tuning into the ITV soaps. One fan said: 'Awesome! US fans can enjoy!' A second commented: 'This is awesome news! Yayyy!' 'Hopefully they stay on there going forward as I cant use your awful app,' said a third disgruntled viewer. The move comes after it was revealed earlier this year how ITV bosses are slashing their soaps' episode count. Emmerdale currently airs six episodes weekly, Monday to Friday with a double bill on Thursdays. Meanwhile, Coronation Street also airs six episodes per week, with two episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Next year, only five 30-minute episodes of each show will air - a real terms cut to soap broadcast time of 17%. Bosses will introduce a soaps power hour from Monday to Friday with 30-minute Emmerdale episodes airing at 8pm and 30-minute Coronation Street episodes airing at 8:30pm. However, the start of the new 2026 schedule will at least be marked in style, as both soaps embark on an ambitious, never-before-seen stunt as part of a week of special episodes. Defending the changes, ITV's Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo said: 'The new commissioning pattern is viewer-led. 'We already give more choice than ever to viewers on how they watch us through ITVX and we want to present their favourite soap to them, in the most digestible way.' 'In a world where there is so much competition for viewers' time and attention, and viewing habits continue to change, we believe this is the right amount of episodes that fans can fit into their viewing schedule, to keep up to date with the shows.' Over on the BBC, fans can watch new episodes of EastEnders from 6am on iPlayer before they're broadcast that evening on BBC One.
The Sun
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Emmerdale legend signs new contract amid soap cuts and slashed episodes
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. 2 2 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. Emmerdale in double exit shock as show legend leaves after 16 years - and takes co-star with her "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.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Emmerdale star quits as character refuses to return to the village after holiday of a lifetime in a brutal letter
EMMERDALE has confirmed a beloved character WON'T be returning to the village after her shock exit. The ITV soap dropped the bombshell tonight that the long-running character will not be returning after their holiday. 2 2 Brenda Walker left the village earlier this year after winning a round the world cruise. She took stepdaughter Cathy Hope with her and as far as anyone in the village knew, she would be returning after three months. However, in today's episode, Eric received a letter from Brenda with some bombshell news. With Eric celebrating his birthday with grandson Jacob and carer Kerry, he got the post and saved the letter for later. Kerry asked him what Brenda had to say. 'She's not coming back,' Eric told her. 'She's rediscovered herself. A new lease of life and unfortunately I'm not included in it. 'And who can blame her with the way that I've treated her so badly? Thank you Brenda for letting me know on my birthday.' He added: 'I don't know why I'm so upset. 'Having gambled away her lifesavings, I was hoping she would come back refreshed and we'd star a new chapter in our lives. Alas, not to be. Eric Pollard sinks to shocking low in Emmerdale - as he betrays fiancee Brenda Walker 'I just hope that she finds happiness, she deserves it. 'I don't know why it is that I always find a way to get rid of the ones I really care for. 'I'm afraid I'm a little bit too old for any change.' Actress Lesley Dunlop quit the soap earlier this year after 16 years on the show. The Sun revealed how after leaving the show, Lesley landed a new role in a major drama.
Daily Record
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV Emmerdale legends tipped return after almost two decades as Eric Pollard's carer
Emmerdale viewers are convinced they have worked out who Eric Pollard's new carer will be as the character has been struggling with his health in recent scenes Emmerdale fans believe they have rumbled who will step in as Eric Pollard's new carer following a decline in his health. It has been speculated to be someone he's quite familiar with, as he grapples with his health issues. Eric, portrayed by actor Chris Chittell, has been a main character on the popular ITV soap since 1986. As the longest-serving actor on the programme, Eric has found himself at the centre of numerous major plotlines over the years. From his multiple marriages to his heart-wrenching struggle with Parkinson's disease, his tenure in the renowned Dales has certainly been something to talk about. This was particularly evident earlier this year when his relationship with local resident Brenda Walker (played by Lesley Dunlop) came to an abrupt end, reports Leicestershire Live. Brenda called it quits after Eric wasted away her life savings on a botched cryptocurrency venture, ending their engagement and leaving after 17 years together. Meanwhile, this week on the soap saw Eric's health deteriorate further when he suffered a severe fall while attempting to lift heavy boxes alone at the shop. He was subsequently hospitalised and has since been discharged after the incident. However, given Eric's inability to carry out basic tasks such as showering and dressing himself, his loved ones expressed concern and suggested that he should seek assistance. Initially, Eric was resistant to the idea but eventually gave in. In Thursday's episode on June 5 his paid carer Sophie made her appearance, although Eric was far from welcoming. Later, Eric decided he had enough of Sophie caring for him and demanded she leave, asserting that things were not going to work out. Speculation continues to mount amongst viewers that a former soap stalwart could soon return to Emmerdale to provide much-needed care for Eric, and it's believed to be a face he recognises very well. On an Emmerdale fan group on Facebook, one user remarked: "Hopefully a carer will be found who shows Eric respect, and can look after him in a way that he finds acceptable." Other viewers promptly put forth the idea that Eric's son, David Metcalfe (portrayed by Matthew Wolfenden), might make his way back to tend to his dad following his health decline. An additional comment read: "David needs to come back and look after him!". Adding to the chorus, a third individual noted: "He definitely needs to return with how Eric is at the moment." Another admirer posited: "I said the same! He should be his carer." Having been introduced to audiences back in 2006, David became a fixture on the famed serial drama. However, in 2023, news broke that actor Matthew Wolfenden had parted ways with the show after a notable 17-year tenure.
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Horrifying moment Emmerdale legend has nasty fall – leaving him struggling alone at home
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN Emmerdale legend suffered a nasty fall in horrifying scenes - leaving him struggling alone at home. It marks the latest turn in this long-running character's health storyline. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Emmerdale legend Eric Pollard suffers a nasty fall while alone Credit: ITV 4 It came after he suffered an injury earlier in the episode Credit: ITV 4 Will the longest-serving character be okay? Credit: ITV Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) has been an Emmerdale staple since arriving back in 1986. More recently, he has grappled with adjusting to living with Parkinson's. Today's episode sees things take an unfortunate turn for the soap legend. While carrying heavy boxes at David's Shop, Eric is visibly strained and ends up injuring himself. Kerry (Laura Norton) and Tracy (Amy Walsh) both notice their boss trying to hide his injury - but he brushes off their concern about his health. In particular, Eric clashes with Kerry, whom he also lives with at Wishing Well Barn. She tells him: "Don't be a silly divvy and just admit that you're slowing down." But a furious Eric replies: "How dare you speak to me like that! I don't want a lift from you or anything else. "You either speak to me with respect, or you start looking around for another home." Later on, Eric is taking his medication at home when he stumbles and falls to the ground. Eric Pollard sinks to shocking low in Emmerdale - as he betrays fiancee Brenda Walker Having been left on the floor, he desperately pleads out loud for someone to help him. What will happen to Eric from here? The character first discovered he had Parkinson's after being diagnosed in 2023. Emmerdale worked closely with the charity Parkinson's UK, who will continue to support the production team to give Eric's story a realistic and authentic depiction, whilst creating awareness of the condition and how it affects those afflicted. 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. 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. 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. 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. Chris Chittell, who plays Eric, said at the time: "I feel really privileged to be given this storyline. "Parkinson's is indiscriminate, deceptive and wickedly unkind targeting so many. "I want to do this storyline justice for the most courageous of people who are having to bear the brunt of this condition.' Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
