Emmerdale legend to get top honour as major soap awards teased

Emmerdale veteran Chris Chittell, who plays the iconic Eric Pollard, is to be honoured by major new soap awards.

The actor, who's the longest-serving cast member of the ITV soap, was today revealed as the winner of the Special Recognition Award in the inaugural RadioTimes.com Soap Awards. The awards were teased on BBC's Morning Live on Friday when host Brian Conley appeared on the sofa and announced the recipient of the top honour.

Chittell has played the character on Emmerdale since 1986. Known only by his surname, Pollard has been an icon of the Dales, from scheming his way into big money deals, to getting married five times and reconnecting with his long-lost son. He's not just an Emmerdale legend, but one of the entire world of soap.

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Speaking of the honour, Chittell said: "This accolade is a representation of some of the most amazing people I have ever worked with, not just the wonderful kindly actors, but the actual crews, past and present, who are the very backbone to this amazing show that has stood the test of time!

"Pollard’s strength as a character has been the fact he has an underbelly - just when he is about to capitalise on his many nefarious dealings he would fail miserably, much to the joy and satisfaction of the audience."

Morgan Jeffery, Digital Editor of Radio Times, said: "I'm delighted that Chris Chittell is the recipient of our inaugural Special Recognition award at this year's RadioTimes.com Soap Awards. I can't think of a more deserving winner – not only the longest-serving cast member in the soap's history but a figure beloved by fans who, as the legendary Eric Pollard, has consistently delivered