Chris Chittell Movies And Tv Shows

Let’s talk about Chris Chittell. You might not know the name, but you’ve definitely seen his face. He’s been a soap opera staple for decades. And his story is way more interesting than you’d think.

The Man Behind the Mustache

Chris Chittell is best known for playing Eric Pollard on Emmerdale. He’s been in the role since 1986. That’s almost forty years of dodgy deals and sideways glances.

He’s the village schemer you love to hate. But here’s the kicker: he’s the longest-serving cast member in the show’s history. Think about that. He’s outlasted every farmer, every love triangle, and every dramatic helicopter crash.

His character started as a total villain. Eric swindled widows and cheated his way through Yorkshire. Slowly, he became a lovable rogue. It’s a magic trick of acting.

Before the Farm

But Chris Chittell didn’t just pop up in the Dales. He had a whole other life before Emmerdale. He was a big-screen actor in the 1970s. And his filmography is wonderfully weird.

Did you know he fought Sean Connery? Yes, really. He played a minor role in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever (1971). He’s the skinny guard who gets knocked out by Bond. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment.

He also shared screen time with Michael Caine. He appeared in the classic thriller Get Carter (1971). Again, he’s in the background. But it’s pure British cinema gold.

Quirky Fact Alert!

Here’s a funny detail: Chris Chittell was almost canned from Emmerdale. In the early 1990s, the producers thought Eric Pollard had run his course. They wrote him out.

But the audience revolted. They loved the character too much. So the writers had to bring him back. He returned from the dead (sort of) within a year. That’s soap opera power right there.

Chris Chittell and Lulu

Another weird tidbit? He once refused to shave his mustache. Producers wanted a clean-shaven Eric for a storyline. Chris said no. The mustache stayed. It became his trademark. Iconic.

What Else Has He Done?

His TV resume is a time capsule of British television. He popped up in Doctor Who back in 1974. He played a soldier in the story “The Deadly Assassin.” It’s a cult classic.

He was in The New Avengers too. And The Sweeney. And Space: 1999. He basically jumped between every major British show of the 70s and 80s. He was a jobbing actor, and that’s cool.

Let’s not forget his one-off role in The Bill. He played a dodgy solicitor. It’s like Eric Pollard on vacation in London. Pure method acting.

Why Should You Care?

Because Chris Chittell represents the everyday star. He’s not a Hollywood A-lister. He’s the guy who shows up, does the work, and becomes a household name anyway.

He’s proof that you don’t need to be a lead in a blockbuster to have a killer career. You just need to be memorable. And boy, is Eric Pollard memorable.

Christopher Chittell - IMDb

Think about it: His character has been married four times. He faked his own death. He once pretended to be a wheelchair user to get sympathy. It’s ridiculous. It’s fantastic.

The Good Stuff

In real life, Chris Chittell is the opposite of Eric Pollard. He’s a quiet, private man. He lives in the countryside. He loves gardening. When he’s not scheming on screen, he’s pruning roses.

He’s also a survivor. He suffered a major health scare in 2015. He had a heart attack on set. He was back to work within months. That’s tough. That’s dedication.

He’s even written a book. It’s called Eric Pollard: My Story. It’s part memoir, part behind-the-scenes gossip. If you love Emmerdale, it’s a must-read.

Final Thought

So next time you see that familiar mustache on TV, don’t just see Eric Pollard. See the guy who fought James Bond and survived a soap opera cull. See the chameleon.

Chris Chittell’s career is a treasure hunt. Dig into his old movies. Find him in Diamonds Are Forever. Laugh at his tiny part. Appreciate the journey.

He’s a soap legend. A British icon. And honestly, he’s just fun to talk about. So go on. Give Eric Pollard a little love today. He’s earned it.