Emmerdale legend signs huge new deal to keep him on the soap for another year
AN Emmerdale legend has signed a huge new deal to keep him on the soap for another year.
Chris Chittell plays the iconic role of Eric Pollard, and he’s been on the hit soap since the 90s.
The 74-year-old first walked onto the Emmerdale set as Eric in 1986 – making him the soap’s longest serving cast member in its history.
And now it looks like he’s set to bank even more time as he signs a huge new deal.
A source told The Sun: “Everyone on Emmerdale is so happy he’s signed on for another year – fans will be glad he’ll be sticking around.”
ITV had no comment when approached by The Sun.
Last year, as the show geared up to mark its 50th anniversary, Chris spoke about how Emmerdale has changed over the years, and what concerns him the most.
Speaking to the Soap From The Box podcast, Eric said: “The biggest change is the topic of storylines, they’re all sensationalist, which is a shame.
“We have to look at life and be able to reflect it to do our jobs. And life as we see it now, hells bells, you daren’t cough, walk in the street because there’s a death. But life is not like that.”
He continued: “I saw a wonderful episode of Coronation Street with Sarah Lancashire and Julie Goodyear in the pub.
“They’d closed up for the night and it was just magical. It was perfect. That’s what’s missing.”
Over the years, Emmerdale has seen a helicopter crash, a maze blaze, a plane crash and the 50th anniversary will feature another storm which triggers a cow stampede.
He continued: “You’re aiming for a young, but very fickle audience, you’ve done your stunt and then they go off and what something else.
“What you need is a loyalty to the characters because that’s what brings you in and actually develops your understanding of drama and what it’s about.”