Latest news with #SoapOpera
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- 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
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders star breaks silence after she quits soap – and final scenes air TODAY
EASTENDERS actress Clair Norris has broken her silence on her soap exit. The star has played the role of Bernadette Taylor in the BBC soap opera for eight years but her final scenes are now playing out today. 4 4 It marks the end of an era for the Walford-based soap, as her exit brings an end to the Taylor family, with all characters from the show having left or been axed by show bosses. Actress Clair has now shared a heartfelt message about her time on the show as she bids farewell to Albert Square. Taking to social media, the star penned: "My last ep airs tonight & with that comes a flood of memories… " EastEnders was my first audition, and my first job. "Having come from college & having no experience in this industry, Julia, Wayne & Sean all took a chance on me to play Bernadette Taylor & for that, I can't be thankful enough. "8 years later and honestly this job, has changed my life." Clair continued: "It's true what they all said at the beginning, EastEnders is one big family & I'm so lucky to have met and worked with some amazing people. "I will always have an attachment to Bernie, she represents so many girls out there who wear their heart of their sleeves and don't quite fit in…no offence to anyone who wear purple coats… "I have adored playing her and she will forever hold a special place in my heart. "This has been the best first role ever!!!" EastEnders fans stunned to spot iconic show star in Australian TV ad after she relocated Down Under Bernie departed on-screen alongside her cousin Felix Baker. Viewers discovered last week how Bernie had been stealing from the Panesars after being left over-all control of the business empire by Nish after his death at Christmas. Realising what was going on, Ravi and Vinny set a trap for Bernie to expose her as the thief - giving her another chance to steal from them. But they had no idea Bernie wasn't planning to stick around to face the consequences. 4 4 She packed her bags and convinced Felix to come with her Having fallen for Ravi and Vinny's trap and taken another £25,000 from the Panesar businesses, Bernie and Felix were set to leave. But as they headed to the cab, Suki got in the way and stopped them with other members of The Six watching. 'She stole from me,' said Suki. 'No, you did,' hit back Bernie. 'You all did. You stole from me and my family. Something that I can never get back." Kathy and Linda begged Suki to let Bernie go with the cash, and she stepped aside. Bernie and Felix climbed into the cab and drove off - just as Ravi emerged to watch the shocking development.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- 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.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eva LaRue Leaving General Hospital
A daytime veteran is scrubbing out of General Hospital: Eva LaRue, of All My Children fame, is leaving the ABC soap after a year as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez, TVLine has learned. The exit is due to storyline reasons; LaRue's final appearance on GH will air this week. More from TVLine The Bachelor (Finally) Renewed at ABC, Gets New Showrunner Wimbledon 2025: How to Watch the Tennis Matches Live Online Doctor Odyssey's Cancellation Fits Right Into Our Fever Dream Theory (Just Let Us Have This One) 'Eva's been a dear friend for years, and I am so pleased we found an opportunity to work together!' General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini said in a statement. 'What originally was meant as a guest star arc turned into a longer and more satisfying arc, in thanks to Eva's terrific work and chemistry with our cast. I was thrilled Eva was available to us in this extended role. I wish her all the best in her upcoming projects.' LaRue's character Natalia was introduced in February 2024 as the mother of Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez), just as Blaze was entering the early stages of a romance with Kristina (played by Daytime Emmy winner Kate Mansi). Natalia did not approve of the same-sex relationship, and fans 'just hated my character so much,' LaRue admits to Soap Opera Digest. In Monday's episode, Natalia ingested a lethal combination of pills and alcohol — a hint that she may be on the way out. LaRue is best known to daytime fans for playing neurologist Dr. Maria Santos Grey on All My Children on and off for 18 years, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1997. (She later won a Daytime Emmy for her guest work on The Young and the Restless.) LaRue also co-starred alongside David Caruso in the long-running CBS procedural CSI: Miami, debuting as DNA expert Natalia Boa Vista in Season 4. Best of TVLine Stars Who Almost Played Other TV Roles — on Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, Lost, Gilmore Girls, Friends and Other Shows TV Stars Almost Cast in Other Roles Fall TV Preview: Who's In? Who's Out? Your Guide to Every Casting Move!
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Iconic EastEnders star is unrecognisable four decades on from soap debut - ditching 'punk' style for VERY different look
An iconic EastEnders star looks unrecognisable four decades on from her soap debut. Mary 'the Punk' Smith, played by Linda Davidson, featured in the serial drama's original cast when it first aired back in 1985. She was a single mother to her daughter Annie and viewers saw the complicated character struggle to raise her child and earn money all while sporting her distinctive style. From becoming a prostitute to various failed romances, Mary had several controversial storylines before she left the show in 1988. Linda reprised the role in 2019 when she attended the funeral of fellow original cast member Dr Harold Legg and again in 2022 for Dot Cotton's funeral. However, 40 years on from her debut appearance on the soap, Linda's appearance has changed drastically. Mary 'the Punk' Smith, played by Linda Davidson, featured in the drama's original cast when it first aired back in 1985 She has ditched the edgy punk style that Mary became so renowned for. Instead of the dark, long spiky hair and thick eyeliner she wore in EastEnders, Linda has a sleek, blonde pixie cut. Now reportedly running her own social media agency and working in web design, Linda wears classy red lipstick and smart suits instead of Mary's leather jackets. Linda previously opened up to Christine Lampard about her time on the soap during an interview on ITV's Lorraine. Looking back on Mary's stint on the Square Linda revealed that they never expected to the soap to grow into the TV institution it is today. 'We were all contracted for six months and the BBC called it a bi-weekly drama, so we didn't know we were in a soap until all the press went out, all of a sudden they started calling it a soap and we said oh my god we're in a soap!' she said. 'She was a fantastic character to play and she was really well written, she came about because [creator] Tony Holland was walking in the East End and he saw a young woman pushing a pram with a mohawk and a miniskirt. 'It was such a poignant image of a young woman with such an aggressive look but such love for her child and so she created the character based on that image.' Linda also told Christine that in recent years she decided to give up acting to focus on a career in technology, having also worked as a writer for BBC websites and Tomorrow's World. She added: 'I carried on acting for years, so I was writing for Tomorrow's World and they were launching something called a website and I got engulfed with the power of communication and I had a conversation with June [Brown who plays Dot Cotton] she's been so generous with her love and time for me, but I said I think I'm going to stop acting and do this thing.' When asked whether she would consider reprising her role as Mary long-term, Linda admitted: 'I absolutely loved it, but my current fantasy is that Annie her daughter goes back into it full time, and Mary pops back in for a cup of tea every now and again, then I wouldn't have to give up my job!'
