Who Played Eric Pollard In Emmerdale

I remember the first time I saw Eric Pollard on Emmerdale. I was probably nine, eating cereal before school, and this weaselly little man was trying to scam someone out of a vintage vase. I thought, “Who is this guy, and why do I kinda love him?” That’s the thing about Eric Pollard—you’re not supposed to like him, but you absolutely do.

So, who played this iconic, scheming legend? The answer is Chris Chittell. Yes, that’s his name, and he’s been playing Eric since 1986. For context, that’s before I was born, before the internet, and before most of your current favorite TV shows existed. He’s like the village’s resident gremlin, and we can’t imagine the Dales without him.

The Man Behind the Tweed Jacket

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.)

Why We Root for the Bad Guy

Here’s the secret to Chittell’s success: he makes Eric fun. You watch him scheme, and you think, “You absolute menace… but you’re my menace.” He has that twinkle in his eye when he’s lying that’s just irresistible. It’s like watching a drunk uncle try to sell you a “real” Rolex at a wedding—you know it’s fake, but you’re entertained.

And let’s not forget his clothes. The tweed jackets, the mismatched socks, the occasional cravat. It’s a costume that screams, “I’m hiding a dead body in the boot of my car, but I have taste.” Chittell wears it like armor, and we love him for it.

What’s Chris Chittell Like Off-Screen?

I did a little digging (read: ten minutes on Google) and found out he’s a proper British eccentric. He once raced speedboats and rally cars in his younger days. He even built his own house from scratch. How very Eric Pollard—but without the fraud charges.

He’s also famously private. Unlike some soap stars who Instagram their breakfast, Chittell just… acts. Then he goes home to his garden and probably waters his rhododendrons while thinking, “Today, I lied to four characters, but the roses look lovely.” That’s the dream, honestly.

The Legacy in the Dales

Eric Pollard isn’t just a character; he’s a survivor. He’s outlasted marriages, business rivalries, and even death itself. Chittell has played every note—from tearful goodbyes to triumphant twirls when a scam works. He even survived being written out in the 2000s, only to return because fans rebelled. (Take that, producers.)

If you watch old episodes, you’ll see the evolution. Young Eric was a sleaze. Middle-aged Eric was a tragedy. Current Eric is… what, a grandfather with a heart of slightly tarnished gold? Chittell made that shift feel natural, like watching a vintage car rust beautifully.

One Last Thing

I have to tell you this: Chris Chittell once forgot his lines mid-scene, and instead of breaking character, he started improvising a fake antiques sale. The director kept it in. That’s the energy we need in life. It’s the perfect metaphor for Eric Pollard—always selling something, even if you didn’t ask.

So, next time you see Eric plotting with his little smirk, remember: there’s a man behind that smirk who’s been doing this for nearly 40 years. A man who could have been a spy, a racecar driver, or a criminal mastermind. Instead, he chose to be Eric Pollard. And honestly? We’re all better for it.