An unexpected storm is brewing behind the scenes of Emmerdale, as one of the soap’s most enduring legends has spoken out in rare and fiery fashion. After nearly four decades on the ITV drama,

Eric Pollard star Chris Chittell has publicly admitted his frustration with how producers handled one of the show’s most sensitive storylines to date—Eric’s battle with Parkinson’s disease.

What was meant to be a powerful, awareness-raising plot instead left the veteran actor feeling deeply let down, angry, and determined to take matters into his own hands.

Chris Chittell is no stranger to Emmerdale history. Having portrayed the scheming, sharp-tongued Eric Pollard for an astonishing 39 years, he is one of the show’s most recognisable and beloved figures. Eric has survived countless scandals, betrayals, and brushes with disaster, evolving from outright villain to a more complex, often vulnerable character. So when news broke that Eric would be diagnosed with Parkinson’s, fans expected a carefully handled, emotionally rich storyline that would reflect the reality faced by millions.

But according to Chris, that’s not quite how things unfolded.

Speaking exclusively at this week’s high-profile CorrieDale premiere, Chris did not hold back as he reflected on the early handling of Eric’s diagnosis. While he initially welcomed the storyline, he soon became disillusioned by what he described as a lack of credibility and care.

“We’ve sort of put it on the back burner for a little while,” Chris revealed candidly. “I have spoken to the story producer about the fact that we owe it to the Parkinson’s community to up the situation—up the credibility.”

For Chris, this wasn’t just about character development. It was about responsibility. Parkinson’s disease affects thousands of people across the UK, and its impact stretches far beyond those diagnosed, touching carers, partners, and families in profound ways. To him, this storyline carried real weight—and real consequences.

“The more we have that’s going to express what is needed for people with Parkinson’s, the better it is,” he explained. “Something has to be done. It’s frightening how so many people are affected by it. Not just the people who have Parkinson’s, but the carers as well—the wives, the husbands.”

Chris admitted that when producers first approached him about giving Eric Parkinson’s, he was open-minded and even enthusiastic—on one condition.

“I’ll be very honest,” he said. “When the producer asked me how I felt about adopting the storyline, I said, ‘Well, as long as we do it properly, then let’s do it.’”

For a seasoned actor, this kind of storyline represented more than just drama—it was an opportunity to tell a meaningful story with depth and truth.

“That’s exciting,” Chris continued, “because apart from anything else, it’s an extension of why us actors are here.”

Initially, he believed the show was on the right track. His first episodes dealing with the diagnosis gave him confidence that the story would unfold realistically and respectfully. But that optimism didn’t last long.

The turning point came when Eric Pollard was suddenly shown going around the village openly telling people about his Parkinson’s diagnosis. For Chris, this moment was not just inaccurate—it was infuriating.

“You don’t do that,” he said bluntly. “That’s ridiculous.”

The reaction was immediate and intense. Chris admitted he was so annoyed by the decision that he confronted the situation head-on.

“I was so annoyed when I found out,” he said. “I literally turned the tables and was like, ‘Right—this is what happens.’”

Feeling that the storyline was veering into implausible territory, Chris decided he could no longer rely solely on the writers and producers to get it right. Instead, he began conducting his own research into Parkinson’s disease to ensure his performance remained grounded in reality.

“So I do my own research now so I don’t have to rely on them,” he revealed. “I felt so silly and quite let down on that side.”

It’s a striking admission from an actor of his stature—and one that highlights the delicate balance soaps must strike when tackling real-life illnesses. For Chris, the disappointment wasn’t about ego or screen time. It was about missed potential and a fear that the story had, at least initially, failed the very people it was meant to represent.

Despite his frustration, Chris’s comments also signal hope. His determination to push for greater accuracy and emotional truth suggests that Eric Pollard’s Parkinson’s journey is far from over—and may yet evolve into the powerful storyline fans were expecting.

Away from this controversy, Chris was far more upbeat when discussing what lies ahead for Emmerdale, particularly the upcoming crossover with Coronation Street. The highly anticipated “CorrieDale” event has been shrouded in secrecy, but Chris teased something truly special.

“Apparently it is extreme,” he said. “It is something that has not been of this fortitude in some time.”

He also promised that viewers can expect moments of genuine delight amid the drama.

“I think there are some delightful surprises and some delightful performances,” he added. “So I’m looking forward to those.”

For fans, Chris Chittell’s honesty has sparked a wider conversation about how soaps handle serious health conditions. His anger, while surprising, has been widely praised for shining a light on the importance of authenticity and respect in storytelling. Parkinson’s is not just a plot device—it’s a lived reality for many—and Chris’s insistence on doing it justice underscores why his voice carries such weight after nearly four decades on the show.

As Eric Pollard’s future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: this Emmerdale legend isn’t afraid to speak out when it matters. Whether this marks an “unexpected goodbye” to Eric as viewers know him, or the beginning of a more truthful and impactful chapter, remains to be seen.

But if Chris Chittell has anything to do with it, Eric Pollard’s story will not go quietly—and it certainly won’t be handled lightly.