Emmerdale star Chris Chittell will be awarded a Special Recognition Award for his work on the soap.
The veteran actor, who's been playing the role of Eric Pollard since 1986, will be the first-ever recipient of the prize at the inaugural Radio Times Soap Awards. Chittell was announced as the winner of the award today (July 12).
Known only by his surname, Chittell's character Pollard has been an icon of the Dales for nearly four decades, being involved in storylines from scheming his way into big money deals to getting married a whopping 5 times and reconnecting with his long-lost son David Metcalfe.
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"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!" Chittell said of being awarded the accolade.
"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."
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"I'm delighted that Chris Chittell is the recipient of our inaugural Special Recognition award at this year's RadioTimes.com Soap Awards," Digital Editor of Radio Times Morgan Jeffery said.
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"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 high drama, heartbreak and humour for 38 years. Congratulations, Chris."
"Chris Chittell is quite simply a star," Associate Editor of Radio Times Helen Daly added. "He has brought life to Eric Pollard for 38 years and as soap fans, we can't thank him enough for the years of love, laughter, and a lot of dramatic weddings!"
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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