Chris Chittell, the renowned British actor best known for his long-running role as Eric Pollard on ITV’s iconic soap opera Emmerdale, has earned a special place in the hearts of TV viewers. With a career spanning over six decades, Chittell has been part of some of the most memorable storylines in British television. In this comprehensive article, we explore his early life, rise to fame, personal journey, net worth, health updates, and family, offering a thorough portrait of the actor’s life both on and off the screen.
Chris Chittell Early Life and Career Beginnings
Chris Chittell was born on May 19, 1948, in Aldershot, Hampshire, England. His early years were shaped by a strong family background, particularly his father’s service in the Indian Army. Although Chittell initially wanted to pursue a career in the Royal Navy, his life took a different turn as he found himself drawn to the world of modeling and acting. This transition would set the stage for his successful career in the entertainment industry.
Chittell’s acting journey began in the 1960s when he appeared in several television shows and films. His first major film role was in To Sir, with Love (1967), where he played the character “Potter.” This was a significant stepping stone for the young actor, allowing him to showcase his skills to a wider audience. He went on to appear in films like The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968) and Zulu Dawn (1979), solidifying his place in British cinema during the 1970s.
While he made his mark in film, Chittell’s true breakthrough came when he made the transition from film to television. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he appeared in various television series, including the popular children’s adventure serial Freewheelers (1968–73), where his acting skills began to shine.
The Rise to Fame: Eric Pollard and Emmerdale
While Chris Chittell had enjoyed a varied career in the entertainment world, his role as Eric Pollard in Emmerdale marked the pinnacle of his career. Chittell joined the British soap opera in 1986, taking on the role of Eric Pollard, a character who would become a staple of the series.
Over the years, Pollard’s storylines have ranged from business rivalries to romantic entanglements and personal tragedies, keeping the character at the forefront of the show. Chittell’s portrayal of Pollard, who has been both a villain and a sympathetic character at various points, is credited with bringing depth and complexity to the soap.
Chittell’s enduring presence on Emmerdale has made him one of the longest-serving actors in British television history. As of 2025, he has portrayed Eric Pollard for over three decades, earning a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim for his work. His portrayal of Pollard has allowed the character to evolve with the times, and fans continue to tune in to see how Pollard’s story develops in the soap.
Eric Pollard’s most recent storyline involved a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, which brought attention to the condition and allowed Chittell to further explore the emotional depth of his character. This storyline was a significant turning point for Pollard and demonstrated Chittell’s range as an actor, tackling a serious health issue with sensitivity and grace.
Chris Chittell Net Worth and Earnings
With a career spanning more than six decades, Chris Chittell has undoubtedly accumulated substantial wealth through his acting roles. As one of the highest-paid actors in British soap operas, Chittell’s salary from his role on Emmerdale alone is estimated to be in the range of £200,000 per year. His long-running tenure on the soap has provided him with a significant source of income, and he continues to enjoy steady earnings from the show.
In addition to his work on Emmerdale, Chittell has appeared in a number of other television series and films over the years, which have also contributed to his net worth. While exact figures are not officially available, reports suggest that Chittell’s net worth is in the ballpark of £7 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his acting career, as well as his involvement in charity work and other business ventures.
Chris Chittell Personal Life: Family, Spouse, and Children
Chris Chittell’s personal life has also been a subject of interest for fans and media alike. He has been married twice, and his relationships have played a significant role in his journey both on and off screen.
Marriage to Caroline Hunt
Chris Chittell’s first marriage was to Caroline Hunt, and together they had two children: a son, Ben, and a daughter, Rebecca. The couple was married for many years before they separated in 2007. Chittell’s marriage to Hunt was relatively private, and not much is publicly known about their relationship after their divorce. Despite the separation, Chittell has maintained a positive relationship with his children, although they have largely stayed out of the public spotlight.
Marriage to Lesley Dunlop
In 2016, Chittell married his Emmerdale co-star Lesley Dunlop, who played Brenda Walker on the show. The couple’s wedding took place at St Peter’s Church in Coverack, Cornwall, and it was a beautiful, intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family. Their relationship had blossomed after they met on set, and they became one of the most beloved couples in the soap opera world.
Lesley Dunlop had previously been married and had two daughters, Rosie and Daisy, from her previous relationship with actor Christopher Guard. Together, Chittell and Dunlop form a blended family, with Chittell embracing his role as stepfather to Dunlop’s daughters. The couple continues to live together, sharing a love for acting and maintaining a close-knit family.
Health: Rumours, Illness, and Recent Updates
Over the years, there have been numerous rumours about Chris Chittell’s health, particularly concerning the question of whether he has been diagnosed with cancer. However, as of 2025, there has been no official confirmation that Chittell has been diagnosed with cancer. While there have been some social media rumours, these have not been substantiated by any reliable or authoritative sources.
In recent years, there have been a few concerns about Chittell’s health related to his age. However, there is no public information to suggest that he is dealing with any life-threatening illnesses. His character, Eric Pollard, was written into the show to deal with the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, which some fans mistakenly conflated with Chittell’s personal health. It is important to note that this storyline is purely fictional and part of the show’s ongoing narrative.
As of now, Chittell continues to appear on Emmerdale, and there have been no official reports regarding his departure from the show. His contract has been renewed for another year, and his fans can continue to look forward to his presence on the soap for the foreseeable future.
Is Chris Chittell Leaving Emmerdale?
One of the most common questions surrounding Chris Chittell is whether he plans to leave Emmerdale. While there have been occasional speculations about his departure, there has been no official confirmation from the actor or the show’s producers regarding his exit. In fact, Chittell’s contract was recently renewed for another year, ensuring that his character, Eric Pollard, will remain a fixture on the show for the time being.
Chris Chittell has expressed in interviews that he is happy with his role on Emmerdale and continues to enjoy the work he does on the show. While every actor’s future is uncertain, Chittell’s long tenure and dedication to the series suggest that he may continue to appear on Emmerdale for many more years.
What’s Next for Chris Chittell?
As for the future, Chris Chittell shows no signs of slowing down. Despite being in his 70s, he remains one of the most recognizable faces on British television. His commitment to Emmerdale and the continued development of his character Eric Pollard suggests that fans will continue to see him in the soap for the foreseeable future.
Outside of Emmerdale, Chittell has also been involved in charitable work, supporting various causes over the years. While he may not be as active in pursuing other major acting roles, his long history of television work and his charity involvement provide a full, rich life both on and off the screen.
Conclusion
Chris Chittell is more than just a soap opera star; he is a beloved figure in British television, with a career that spans decades. From his early days in film and television to his iconic role as Eric Pollard on Emmerdale, Chittell has cemented his legacy as one of the most dedicated actors in the industry.
With a career that continues to thrive, a happy marriage with Lesley Dunlop, and a rich family life, Chittell has led a life filled with achievement and fulfillment. His health and well-being are a concern for fans, but there is no reason to believe that his time in the spotlight is coming to an end anytime soon. As he continues to entertain audiences on Emmerdale and beyond, fans can look forward to seeing more of this enduring talent in the years to come.