When it comes to British soap opera icons, few names are as enduring and cherished as Chris Chittell. With a career spanning more than five decades, he’s become synonymous with Emmerdale, portraying the memorable character Eric Pollard. But who is the man behind the character? What shaped his life before fame? What about his personal life, his family, and even his financial success? In this comprehensive profile, we explore every facet of the life and legacy of Chris Chittell — from his beginnings in Aldershot to life as one of Emmerdale’s most respected performers.
Early Life and Beginnings
Christopher John Chittell was born on 19 May 1948 in Aldershot, Hampshire, England. His upbringing was shaped by a disciplined environment — his father served in the Indian Army, instilling strong values of resilience and determination early on. Though he might have followed in his father’s footsteps into structured service, Chittell found himself drawn instead toward creative pursuits.
After finishing school, he briefly considered a naval career, but modeling offered an unexpected gateway into acting. From the world of modeling, Chittell took his first steps onto the stage and screen — setting the stage for a remarkable and varied acting career.
Entry into Acting: Film and Television
Chittell’s acting journey began long before Emmerdale. In the 1960s and 1970s, he worked across film and television, building experience and exposure. One of his earliest credited roles was in the classic film To Sir, with Love (1967), in which he appeared alongside Sidney Poitier. This role, among others in films like The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968), helped him develop his craft and presence on camera.
During this era, he also appeared in genre TV shows and films, such as The Tomorrow People and The Beast in the Cellar (1970). These varied roles demonstrated his range as an actor — from serious drama to science fiction — and prepared him for the longevity and adaptability required in serial television.
Finding His Home in Emmerdale
While his early years in entertainment were rich with experience, it was in 1986 that Chittell landed the role that would define his career: Eric Pollard on Emmerdale. Initially introduced as a short-term character, Pollard’s sharp wit, moral ambiguity, and complex emotional arcs quickly made him a fan favorite.
What was originally intended as a 12-episode stint evolved into one of the longest continuous character portrayals in British soap history. Chittell has embodied Eric Pollard for over 35 years, spanning hundreds of episodes and numerous iconic storylines.
From scheming businessman to reluctant friend, romantic partner, and reluctant caretaker, Eric’s evolution has reflected Chittell’s own capacity to infuse depth and nuance into his performances. Generations of viewers have watched him age into the role, giving emotional weight to every twist and turn the character has faced.
This longevity is more than just a career milestone — it’s a testament to Chittell’s versatility, professionalism, and audience appeal. Few actors can claim such a seamless blend of career stability and cultural relevance, particularly in the fast-moving world of television production.
Personal Life and Relationships
While many may know Chris Chittell from television screens across the UK, his private life has included chapters that shaped him just as meaningfully as his on-screen roles.
Chris Chittell First Wife
Chris Chittell’s first marriage was to Caroline Hunt. Although specific details about their wedding are not widely publicized, their relationship produced a family that Chittell cherishes deeply. While they later divorced, their partnership remains an important chapter in his life story.
Children and Family
Chris Chittell is a proud father of two children.
His son, Ben, has largely remained out of the public eye, while his daughter Rebecca has built her own professional reputation in the recruitment industry. Rebecca’s privacy-oriented approach mirrors her father’s preference for separating public achievements from personal life.
Together, Ben and Rebecca represent Chittell’s roots beyond television — a family life grounded in love, stability, and commitment.
In 2016, Chittell married his Emmerdale co-star Lesley Dunlop, who portrays Brenda Walker on the show. Their on-screen partnership blossomed into off-screen companionship, creating one of the soap’s most respected relationships in real life and demonstrating that sometimes, life can imitate art in the most pleasant ways.
Success and Financial Standing: Chris Chittell Net Worth
When it comes to actors with enduring television careers, longevity often correlates with financial success. Chris Chittell’s net worth is a topic frequently explored by fans and audiences curious about how soap opera careers translate into monetary achievement.
While exact figures are subject to estimates and fluctuations based on investments, roles, and contracts, publicly sourced financial profiles generally place Chris Chittell’s net worth in the range of several million pounds — a reflection of decades of acting work, continuous employment on a major television show, and accumulated royalties over time.
His financial stability mirrors his success — not achieved overnight, but built steadily and consistently through hard work, commitment to craft, and professional longevity.
A Legacy in British Television
Chris Chittell’s influence on British televisual culture is significant and multifaceted. His portrayal of Eric Pollard has not only helped shape one of the UK’s most beloved soap operas but has also contributed to a broader understanding of what makes long-running characters meaningful and memorable. Unlike characters who rely solely on shock value or superficial plot twists, Pollard’s narrative depth reflects real human complexity — and Chittell’s nuanced performance is central to that success.
In recognition of his contributions to drama and entertainment, Chittell was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2019 — a noble honor celebrating his influence both on-screen and within the broader community.
The Man Behind the Character
What stands out most about Chris Chittell is not just his longevity, but the authenticity with which he approaches his work and life. He avoids sensationalism, focuses on his craft, and consistently delivers a portrayal that balances depth with likability — even when his character isn’t always likable.
His career offers an enduring lesson for aspiring actors and audiences alike: impactful performance isn’t always about headline-grabbing drama. Sometimes, it’s about dedication, growth, consistency, and doing excellent work day after day, year after year.
Final Thoughts
Chris Chittell’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and evolution. From his early years in film and television to becoming the face of one of the UK’s longest-running soap operas, his journey reflects both artistic devotion and professional resilience. His personal life — including his family, his role as a father, and his marriage to Lesley Dunlop — rounds out the picture of a man who values both his craft and his loved ones.
Whether you’re a long-time Emmerdale viewer, a fan of British television history, or simply curious about the life behind the actor, Chris Chittell’s legacy stands as a testament to what a dedicated career in performance can achieve.
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