Chris Chittell's Emmerdale future confirmed by ITV bosses
Now, it has been confirmed that he will be remaining on the show for the foreseeable future after his contract was "renewed" for another year, allowing him to mark four decades on the set.
According to The Sun newspaper, a source discussing the Emmerdale star's future on the ITV show, said: "Chris is Emmerdale and there was no way he wasn't going to make it to 40 years in the village.
"It's such a big achievement, and he loves being on the show just as much as he did when he first joined.
"Big things are coming for Eric well into next year."
He made his first appearance on the programme in 1986 as a villain for just 12 episodes, but impressed bosses so much that he was asked back for a full-time part.
Since then, he has been at the centre of a number of major storylines, including the death of his wife Val Pollard in a helicopter crash and a recent one involving his character's diagnosis of Parkinson's.
In 2017, Chris hinted at retirement, telling fans: "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."
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