FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO Print media - No Use Before Tuesday 13th July 2021 Online Media - No Use Before Tuesday 13th July 2021 Emmerdale - Ep 9104 Tuesday 20th July 2021 The happy trio, Brenda Hope [LESLEY DUNLOP], Faith Dingle [SALLY DEXTER] and Pollard [CHRIS CHITELL] shop for a special lunch but David Metcalfe [MATTHEW WOLFENDEN] comments on their weird dynamic. Picture contact [email protected] This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
ERIC Pollard and Brenda Walker are an Emmerdale institution at this point and fans will be thrilled to learn that the soap couple are also an item in real life.
The popular soap couple are portrayed by actors Chris Chittell, 76, and Lesley Dunlop, 68.
Chris and Brenda first met in 2008 when Lesley made her debut in the dales. Meanwhile, Chris has been starring on the soap since 1986.
During a 2012 interview with the Daily Record, Chris admitted there was an instant spark between them.
“It was weird. Somehow, we’d never met before, and we just kept bumping into each other at work.
“I can’t even remember if I asked her on a date or she asked me, but she is wonderful and we’re very happy,” he revealed.
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This connection translated to their characters, too, who became a couple shortly after Brenda’s arrival in the village.
Although they’ve had a rocky relationship with many obstacles to overcome.
The latest has been Eric’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, which he didn’t want to share with Brenda.
Last year, Eric revealed the tragic news that he has Parkinson’s Disease to Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) in emotional scenes.
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Viewers learned of his diagnosis during flashback scenes when Lydia (Karen Blick) attempted to work out who killed Craig Reed (Ben Addis) – with Eric confiding in Mandy how terrified he is of the future.
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Scared to tell Brenda, Eric instead to break up with her out of the blue, leaving her devastated.
But, after a change of heart, Eric opened up to her, and she vowed to stick by him.
Chris, who is Emmerdale’s longest serving cast member, said he feels “privileged” to be given the storyline.
“I want to do this storyline justice for the most courageous of people who are having to bear the brunt of this condition,” he explained.
Happily, he is fit and healthy in real-life and enjoys spending time with his wife, Lesley.
Chris and Lesley married in 2016
Chris and Lesley began a real-life relationship after meeting on the set of Emmerdale.
They got engaged in 2015, marrying the following year, on June 18, in Cornwall.
The couple enjoyed an intimate ceremony with their close family and friends. This includes their four children from previous relationships.
Chris shares Rebecca and Ben with his ex-wife Caroline Hunt, who he split from in 2015, while Lesley has two daughters, Daisy and Rose, with her former partner, musician Christopher Guard.
Lesley and Chris enjoyed an intimate wedding in 2016
Members of their TV family were also present, including Emmerdale stars Bhasker Patel, Sam Hall and Nicola Wheeler.
They looked lovely, all dressed up for their summer wedding, with Lesley looking radiant in an off-white gown, fairytale-esque gown and veil, complete with a flower crown.
Meanwhile, Chris looked equally impressive, suited and booted in a three-piece beige ensemble, which he paired with blue suede shoes.
They credit the soap with bringing them together
Chris and Lesley credit Emmerdale with bringing them together, and admit that they love going to work together each day.
“For some people, working together would be a nightmare, but we love it,” Chris said.
However, they do draw a strict line between their work and home lives.
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Source: New York Post
