Emmerdale star 'signs new contract' despite soap cuts and cast axed

An Emmerdale fan favourite has confirmed that he will be staying on the ITV soap for a bit longer. Chris Chittell, who portrays the character of Eric Pollard, has marked his 40 year anniversary on the soap by reportedly signing a brand new contract.

The 77-year-old actor is set to mark the momentous milestone next year in September 2026, making him the longest-running character in the ITV soap's history. Speaking of him allegedly signing a new contract, a source told the press: "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. There are big things coming for Eric well into next year."

The update comes following fans' concerns that the businessman could be written out of the soap, due to his Parkinson's disease diagnosis. The heartbreaking plot has seen Eric slowly deteriorate as the incurable disease progresses.

Speaking about the heartbreaking storyline, Chris previously 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."

It comes despite both Emmerdale and its ITV rival Coronation Street being hit by huge cuts, with both shows set to see their weekly number of episodes reduced from next year. The new schedule will see Emmerdale air at 8pm and Coronation Street at 8.30pm, Monday to Friday.

This change is part of a larger effort by ITV to streamline its soap operations and adapt to changing viewing habits.

Emmerdale currently airs six episodes weekly, Monday to Friday with a double bill on Thursdays. Meanwhile, Coronation Street also airs six episodes per week, with two episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

It comes as several cast members left the show last year.

In a further shake-up, fans of both the Yorkshire Dales and Weatherfield cobbles will be able to stream the latest episode on YouTube. Announcing the move, a spokesperson for both soaps told fans on social media: "Soap fans, rejoice! Starting tomorrow, full episodes will be available on YouTube from 7am - the same day they air on TV!"