{"id":54712,"date":"2024-07-12T11:29:23","date_gmt":"2024-07-12T09:29:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=2069735"},"modified":"2024-07-12T13:10:02","modified_gmt":"2024-07-12T11:10:02","slug":"radiotimes-com-soap-awards-confirms-chris-chittell-is-this-years-special-recognition-recipient","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/radiotimes-com-soap-awards-confirms-chris-chittell-is-this-years-special-recognition-recipient\/","title":{"rendered":"RadioTimes.com Soap Awards confirms Chris Chittell is this year\u2019s Special Recognition recipient"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chittell will be awarded his trophy on Saturday. <\/p>

By Helen Daly\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 12 July 2024 at 09:29 AM<\/p>

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Ahead of the inaugural RadioTimes.com Soap Awards<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Inspired Villages<\/a>, we\u2019re proud to reveal the recipient of the Special Recognition Award.<\/p>\n

The winner is none other than Chris Chittell, best known for his role of Eric Pollard on Emmerdale<\/a>, which he\u2019s played since 1986.<\/p>\n

Known only by his surname, Pollard has quite simply been an icon of the Dales.<\/p>\n

From scheming his way into big money deals, getting married five times and reconnecting with his long-lost son, he\u2019s not just a Yorkshire legend, but one of the entire world of soaps.<\/p>\n

Speaking of being awarded the first ever RadioTimes.com Soap Awards<\/strong> Special Recognition, Chittell said: \u201cThis 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 \u2013 they who are the very backbone to this amazing show that has stood the test of time!<\/p>\n

\"Emmerdale\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Emmerdale\u2019s Chris Chittell as Eric Pollard.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

\u201cPollard\u2019s strength as a character has been the fact he has an underbelly \u2013 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Morgan Jeffery, Digital Editor of Radio Times, said: \u201cI\u2019m delighted that Chris Chittell is the recipient of our inaugural Special Recognition award at this year\u2019s RadioTimes.com Soap Awards<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t think of a more deserving winner \u2013 not only the longest-serving cast member in the soap\u2019s history, but a figure beloved by fans who, as the legendary Eric Pollard, has consistently delivered high drama, heartbreak and humour for 38 years. Congratulations, Chris.\u201d<\/p>\n

Helen Daly, Associate Editor of Radio Times, added: \u201cChris Chittell is quite simply a star. He has brought life to Eric Pollard for 38 years, and as soap fans, we can\u2019t thank him enough for the years of love, laughter, and a lot of dramatic weddings!\u201d<\/p>

Chittell\u2019s first appearance on Emmerdale was in September 1986.<\/p>\n

Aside from his wheeling-dealings, Pollard also famously married five women: Eileen Pollock (off-screen), Elizabeth Feldmann, Dee de la Cruz, Gloria Weaver and the love of his life, Val Lambert.<\/p>\n

Val\u2019s death in 2015 left Pollard devastated.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong><\/div>\n