Chris Chittell's future has reportedly been confirmed by Emmerdale bosses after nearly 40 years on the soap. The actor, 77, made his first appearance as Eric Pollard in 1986, making him the longest-running character in the ITV soap's history. Despite concerns that the businessman could be written out of the soap due to his Parkinson's disease diagnosis, it has now been revealed that Chittell's contract has been renewed for another year, enabling him to mark four decades on the show.

"Chris is Emmerdale and there was no way he wasn't going to make it to 40 years in the village," a source told The Sun. "It's such a big achievement, and he loves being on the show just as much as he did when he first joined." The insider added: "Big things are coming for Eric well into next year." Eric made his first appearance in the village in September 1986 and was initially brought in for a brief 12-episode stint as a villain.

However, Chittell's performance impressed bosses so much that he was asked back for a full-time role. Since then, he has been at the heart of some of the soap's most dramatic storylines, including the catastrophic plane crash in 1993 and the death of his wife Val Pollard (Charlie Hardwick) in the helicopter crash.

Chittell hinted at his own retirement in 2017, saying: "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. But when it does happen, I'll just have to get the fishing rod out."

As part of a long-running storyline, Eric was diagnosed with Parkinson's in late 2023. The heartbreaking plot has seen Eric slowly deteriorate as the incurable disease progresses.

When the storyline was announced, Chittell opened up about the importance of playing a character with Parkinson's.

The actor said: "I feel really privileged to be given this storyline. Parkinson's is indiscriminate, deceptive and wickedly unkind, targeting so many. I want to do this storyline justice for the most courageous of people who are having to bear the brunt of this condition."

Emmerdale representatives declined to comment.