When researching the families of long-standing British television stars, the name Ben Chittell often comes up. While he is not a public figure himself, Ben Chittell is known as the son of Chris Chittell, the legendary actor who has portrayed Eric Pollard on ITV’s Emmerdale for decades. Despite this close connection to British television history, Ben Chittell has chosen a life away from the spotlight, leading many people to ask: Who is Ben Chittell, and what do we know about him?
This article provides a comprehensive, respectful, and factual overview of Ben Chittell’s life, family background, and why public interest in him continues to grow.
Early Life and Background
Ben Chittell was born in 1982 in England. As of 2025, Ben Chittell’s age is approximately 43 years old. He was born into a family already connected to the entertainment industry through his father, but his upbringing was largely private and away from media attention.
Growing up as the child of a well-known television actor could easily lead someone into fame, but from an early age, Ben’s life remained largely out of the public eye. His parents made a conscious effort to shield their children from unnecessary exposure, allowing Ben to experience a relatively normal childhood compared to many celebrity offspring.
Ben Chittell Parents and Family
One of the most searched topics related to Ben Chittell is Ben Chittell parents, and understandably so.
Father: Chris Chittell
Ben Chittell’s father, Chris Chittell, is a highly respected British actor best known for his role as Eric Pollard on Emmerdale, a role he has played since 1986. Chris Chittell is considered one of the longest-serving actors in British soap opera history, earning both critical acclaim and public admiration.
Despite his fame, Chris Chittell has often spoken about valuing family life and maintaining boundaries between work and home. This approach played a significant role in Ben’s decision to remain outside the entertainment industry.
Mother: Caroline Hunt
Ben Chittell’s mother is Caroline Hunt, Chris Chittell’s first wife. While Caroline Hunt has never been a public figure herself, she played a central role in raising Ben and his sister. Following her separation from Chris Chittell, she continued to maintain a private life away from media attention.
Siblings: Rebecca Chittell
Ben Chittell has one sibling, Rebecca Chittell, who has built a successful career in the recruitment industry. Unlike Ben, Rebecca has a modest professional public presence due to her work, though she too avoids unnecessary media attention.
The Chittell siblings share a strong family connection, and both have taken paths that reflect independence from their father’s acting legacy.
Is Ben Chittell an Actor?
A common question is whether Ben Chittell followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued acting. The answer is no.
There is no verified evidence that Ben Chittell has ever worked in film, television, or theatre. He does not appear in acting credits, entertainment databases, or professional media listings. This strongly suggests that Ben chose a different career path, separate from the entertainment industry.
This decision highlights an important reality: not all children of celebrities aspire to fame. For Ben Chittell, privacy and personal fulfillment appear to be far more important than public recognition.
Career and Professional Life
One of the reasons public curiosity exists around Ben Chittell is the lack of publicly available information regarding his career. Unlike his father or sister, Ben has not disclosed his professional life in interviews or public platforms.
At present:
- There is no confirmed public record of his occupation
- He does not maintain a known public social media profile
- He has not appeared in interviews, television, or press articles
This absence of information strongly suggests that Ben Chittell works in a private or non-media profession, reinforcing his preference for a quiet life.
Why Is Ben Chittell Well Known?
Ben Chittell is known primarily because of his family connection rather than personal fame. Searches for “Chris Chittell son” or “Ben Chittell biography” often stem from fans of Emmerdale who are curious about the actor’s life beyond the screen.
This type of public interest is common for relatives of long-running television personalities. However, unlike many celebrity children who embrace visibility, Ben Chittell has remained intentionally private.
Personal Life and Privacy
Ben Chittell’s personal life — including relationships, marriage, or children — is not publicly documented. This is not due to secrecy, but rather a deliberate choice to remain outside public scrutiny.
In today’s digital era, where personal details are often shared freely online, Ben’s decision to maintain privacy reflects a conscious effort to live life on his own terms. This approach has earned quiet respect from fans who appreciate boundaries and authenticity.
Relationship With His Father
Although Chris Chittell’s career demands long hours on set, available interviews suggest he has always valued family relationships. While Ben Chittell does not appear publicly with his father often, their relationship is believed to be close and supportive.
Chris Chittell’s marriage to Emmerdale co-star Lesley Dunlop in 2016 also expanded the family dynamic, though Ben continues to remain largely out of the public eye.
Public Interest vs. Private Reality
The growing curiosity around who is Ben Chittell highlights a broader trend in modern media: audiences are increasingly interested in the families behind famous names. Yet Ben’s story serves as a reminder that not everyone connected to fame seeks visibility.
His life represents a contrast to celebrity culture — one grounded in privacy, independence, and normalcy.
Final Thoughts
So, who is Ben Chittell? He is the son of a legendary British television actor, a brother, and a private individual who has chosen a life beyond fame. While details about his career and personal life remain limited, what is clear is that Ben Chittell values discretion and individuality.
In a world where public exposure often feels unavoidable, Ben Chittell’s story stands out as an example of choosing privacy over publicity. This respectful profile, published on Newtly, aims to answer public curiosity while honoring the boundaries of a private life.
