Christopher John Chittell BEM has long been regarded as one of British television's most enduring and recognisable actors.

Chris Chittell Emmerdale Death and Obituary – Christopher John Chittell BEM has long been regarded as one of British television's most enduring and recognisable actors, celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Eric Pollard on the ITV soap opera Emmerdale.

For decades, his presence on screen helped define the show's identity, making him a familiar and comforting figure to millions of viewers across the United Kingdom and beyond.

Chittell joined the cast of Emmerdale in 1986, stepping into the role of Eric Pollard, a character initially portrayed as cunning, sharp-tongued, and often morally ambiguous.

Over time, Pollard evolved into one of the soap's most complex and compelling figures. Through Chittell's layered performance, Eric became more than a schemer; he was humanised with vulnerability, humour, and emotional depth, earning both criticism and affection from audiences.

His extraordinary tenure on the programme made Chittell the longest-serving cast member in Emmerdale history, as well as the actor most continuously associated with a single character on the show.