Emmerdale legend 'signs new contract' as ITV soap makes staff and episode cuts

Emmerdale has moved to tie down a legend of the soap as he heads into his 40th year on screen. Chris Chittell has reportedly put pen to paper to extend his stay in the village.

The 77-year-old actor plays the role of Eric Pollard in the ITV soap. And he is now set to carry on into the milestone year next year, with his 40th anniversary in September 2026.

He first appeared in the village as a villain. His short 12-episode stint was quickly turned into a permanent placement due to his impressive skills on the set. And it's said he was "never" going to miss out on four decades.

A source told The Sun: "Chris is Emmerdale and there was no way he wasn’t going to make it to 40 years in the village. It’s such a big achievement, and he loves being on the show just as much as he did when he first joined."

And they teased there are huge things in store to mark the occasion. The insider added: "There are big things coming for Eric well into next year."

While Chris is set for an extended stay, the same can't be said for a number of other stars of the show. The ITV soap is having its episode run slashed to five per week from January. It means a number of character also face being written out of the storylines in the near future.

But Chris will continue to be at the forefront of things. In some of the show's biggest storylines over the year, his character has been front and centre.

Among them is the heartbreaking death of wife Val Pollard in the helicopter crash. And his most recent storyline has pulled on the heartstrings as his character has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

His decline has been viewed on screen with his incurable condition worsening since it was first penned into the script in 2023. And he had hinted at an exit way back in 2017, saying at the time: "I can see Pollard heading downhill in five or 10 years' time.

"But you're only ever as good as your last storyline. I've always said that when the writers stop writing for Pollard, I'd leave. And although I'd hate it, I'd just shake everyone's hand and say thank you very much, as the journey has been wonderful."

While Emmerdale fans may be disappointed at the news of the show's cuts, they were happy to have found out there is set to be a major change to their weekly output in the meantime.

As of this week, fans will be able to watch new episodes from the beginning of the day as they will be available to view online hours before they transmit via traditional transmission avenues. The decision was announced on social media, with fans happy with the tweak.

On the official Instagram of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale on Sunday, a post read "Soap fans, rejoice!. Starting tomorrow, full episodes will be available on YouTube from 7am — the same day they air on TV!"

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