Yes, Chris Chittell is still alive. As of September 2026, there has been no credible report announcing his death. The English actor remains best known for playing Eric Pollard in Emmerdale, a role he began in September 1986.
ITV continues to identify Chris Chittell as the performer behind Eric Pollard. He has also made public appearances during 2026, providing further confirmation that online suggestions about his death are incorrect.
Is Chris Chittell Still in Emmerdale?
Chris Chittell remains associated with Emmerdale as Eric Pollard. ITV’s official Eric Pollard character page continues to list the character as being played by Chittell.
He first appeared as Eric on September 30, 1986. The character was initially intended to have a relatively short stay, but his scheming personality quickly made an impression. Chittell was subsequently established as a regular member of the cast.
His uninterrupted connection with the role has made him Emmerdale’s longest-serving current actor. September 2026 marks approximately 40 years since his first appearance in the Yorkshire-based soap.
Why Do People Think Chris Chittell Died?
Searches about whether Chris Chittell is alive may be connected to Eric Pollard’s health storylines. The character was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2023 and has experienced difficult symptoms on screen.
In later episodes, Eric struggled with mobility, medication and accepting support from other residents. Scenes showing him falling or becoming seriously unwell may have caused some viewers to worry about the actor.
However, Eric Pollard is a fictional character. His diagnosis belongs to the Emmerdale storyline and should not be treated as information about Chris Chittell’s personal health.
There is no reliable public confirmation that Chittell has Parkinson’s disease. He has spoken about the responsibility of portraying the condition sensitively, but that does not mean he shares his character’s diagnosis.
Confusion can also arise when social-media posts use dramatic wording about a character’s possible death or departure. Headlines about Eric’s future may be mistakenly interpreted as news about the actor himself.
How Old Is Chris Chittell?
Chris Chittell was born on May 19, 1948, in Aldershot, Hampshire, England. He turned 78 in May 2026.
His full birth name is Christopher John Chittell. His acting career began decades before he joined Emmerdale, making his professional history considerably longer than his time in the soap.
Despite speculation that older, long-serving cast members could retire, age alone does not confirm that Chittell is leaving. A departure should only be considered confirmed if it is announced by ITV, Emmerdale or the actor.
Chris Chittell’s Career Before Eric Pollard
Chris Chittell began performing professionally during the 1960s. His early work included theatre before he moved into film and television.
He appeared in the 1967 film To Sir, with Love and later had roles in productions including The Charge of the Light Brigade, The Avengers, The Tomorrow People and Zulu Dawn. He also became known to younger viewers through the television adventure series Freewheelers.
Chittell’s career changed permanently when he joined Emmerdale Farm, as the programme was then known, in 1986. Eric Pollard arrived as a dishonest and manipulative businessman who regularly caused problems for other villagers.
Over time, the character developed beyond his original villainous image. Eric experienced marriages, family disputes, financial problems, bereavement and serious health challenges. His relationship with Val Pollard, played by Charlie Hardwick, became particularly memorable before Val die following the 2015 helicopter crash.
Has Chris Chittell Left Emmerdale?
There has been no confirmed announcement that Chris Chittell has permanently left Emmerdale. Reports published in 2025 indicated that he had agreed to remain with the programme as he approached his 40th anniversary.
This is particularly notable because Emmerdale has experienced several cast changes. Lesley Dunlop, Chittell’s wife in real life, left her role as Brenda Walker in 2025 after approximately 16 years on the programme.
Dunlop’s exit did not mean Chittell was leaving. Their professional decisions should be considered separately, even though they are married and previously worked on the same production.
Future storylines can always change, but rumors should not be presented as confirmed departures. At present, Chittell remains publicly connected with Eric Pollard and Emmerdale.
Is Eric Pollard Still Alive in Emmerdale?
Eric Pollard is also alive in the programme based on the currently available information. His Parkinson’s storyline has placed the character in vulnerable situations, but ITV has not announced his death.
Viewers should distinguish between three different possibilities:
- Eric becoming seriously ill within a storyline
- Chris Chittell temporarily appearing in fewer episodes
- The actor permanently leaving Emmerdale
One of these events does not automatically confirm the others. A character can disappear from screens temporarily while remaining part of the programme.
Chris Chittell’s Life Away from Emmerdale
Chris Chittell is married to actress Lesley Dunlop. The couple reportedly developed their relationship while working together on Emmerdale and married in 2016.
Dunlop played Brenda Walker from 2008 until her departure in 2025. Although Brenda and Eric shared storylines, their fictional relationship was separate from the actors’ real marriage.
Chittell was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2019 Birthday Honours for services to drama and charity. The recognition reflected a career extending well beyond his long-running Emmerdale role.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did Chris Chittell die?
No. Chris Chittell is alive as of the latest reliable information available in September 2026. Claims suggesting otherwise are unsupported.
2. Does Chris Chittell have Parkinson’s disease?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Chris Chittell has Parkinson’s disease. His character, Eric Pollard, was diagnosed with the condition as part of an Emmerdale storyline.
3. How long has Chris Chittell played Eric Pollard?
Chris Chittell began playing Eric Pollard in September 1986. He reached approximately 40 years in the role in September 2026.
4. Is Chris Chittell retiring?
No retirement or permanent departure has been officially announced. Unless ITV or Chittell confirms otherwise, claims that he has retired should be treated as speculation.
The Latest Update
Chris Chittell is alive and remains one of the most recognizable figures in Emmerdale’s history. Confusion about his status appears to be connected mainly to Eric Pollard’s serious health storyline and unconfirmed online rumors.
The essential distinction is that Eric’s Parkinson’s diagnosis is fictional and does not establish anything about Chittell’s health. As of September 2026, there is no credible report of the actor’s death or confirmed permanent departure from Emmerdale.
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