The Zak Dingle actor has been absent from the ITV . Debbie and Andy's daughter was born on screen in 2005 and has been played by a number of different actresses over the years. Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard in Emmerdale, said Hornby "meant everything to everyone". Emmerdale's Zak Dingle actor Steve Halliwell opens up about secret From Coronation Street to Emmerdale: The 8 longest-serving soap stars Married to Neil, the character has been involved in prominent storylines, including being sent to prison for harbouring her criminal brother Clive (Alex Jones). Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only 1 with delivery to your home subscribe now. Radio star Gallimore has been playing the role of Pat since 1974. Our big picture gallery will keep you up to speed. The local vet has 6-year-old son Leo from her past relationship with Marlon Dingle. Excitement. His co-stars may have changed over the years but comedian Davies has been a constant in the quirky crime drama from 1997 to 2016. List of longest-serving soap opera actors, Longest-serving soap opera actors worldwide, Longest serving soap opera actors by country, "Who are the longest-serving actors in soap? Revealed: Coronation Street's longest-serving characters Dominic Chinea wife: Who is The Repair Shop star married to? Speaking about his relationship and with relevance to age, Chris said: "Everyone thinks its the younger members of the cast who have all the fun but we more mature ones do, too.". For some people, working together would be a nightmare but we love it. Soap land is an incredible place because its one of the only ways you can see the same actors playing the same roles for decades on end. Who was Emmerdale's Alan Turner? | The Sun Robert's on-screen partnership with Aaron Dingle has helped to make the character more popular than ever before with an army of #Robron fans supporting their boys every step of the way. Christopher Chittell | Emmerdale Wiki | Fandom Actor Richard Thorp, Alan Turner on Emmerdale for more than 30 years, has died at the age of 81. After her heartbreaking split from husband Paddy and traumatic relationship with rapist Pierce, Rhona has recently found some much-needed happiness in a new romance with Pete Barton. He was also involved in . Chris Chittell plays Emmerdale stalwart Eric Pollard. Soap operas, a serialised drama produced for radio, television and internet streaming, are specifically and uniquely known for their ensemble casts and long-running characters. Now one of the most recognisable faces on television, her role has led to a huge on-screen family second only to the Barlows. Incredibly, Grammer has been voicing Sideshow Bob on (and off) on The Simpsons for even longer a staggering 28 years! Queen Charlotte review: A Bridgerton triumph, Michelle Yeoh stars in trailer for new Poirot film, EastEnders announces eating disorder story for Ben, I'm a Celebrity airs trial twist for new campers. Harry drifted off to New York in season 15 and Leo exploded a year later. Sweet Tooth season 2's emotional ending explained, Corrie reveals Stephen wedding drama in 27 pics. He's currently preparing to marry his partner Brenda, but the big question is whether her knowledge of his affair with Laurel Thomas could ruin the 'happy' day. The actor listed in each case is whoever played the character most recently. Or do you just like looking at the cast all spruced up in their pretty promo pictures? Chris is Emmerdale 's longest-serving actor, having played Eric continuously since the character's introduction in September 1986. Queen Charlotte review: A Bridgerton triumph, Michelle Yeoh stars in trailer for new Poirot film, EastEnders announces eating disorder story for Ben, I'm a Celebrity airs trial twist for new campers, Here's every superhero's new look in Infinity War. 2 Helen Wagner Played Nancy Hughes For 54 Years. Charley Webb was 14 when she wascast in the role and has stuck with Emmerdale ever since. Coronation Street spoilers tonight: Tim kidnaps Elaine! He is now the longest serving actor in the show since the death of Richard Thorp on the 22nd May 2013, who played Alan Turner for 31 years. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast. but her recent affair with Bob Hope has certainly caused a stir among the. Just clickety-click on the photo gallery below and wait for the moment that you find yourself saying, Wait, have they really been on, News Roundup: Words of Warning, Emotional Tributes, Casting Shake-ups, and Shocking Personal Revelations, Ahead of Prison Sentencing, Soap Alum Downsizes Plus Take a Peek Inside Her Gorgeous Home. Longest-Serving Soap Opera Actors List: With Photos From Y&R, GH, Etc The theater has never been any good since the actors became gentlemen.W.H. Having appeared continuously since, he is currently the longest-serving actor and the longest-serving character in the history of the soap. To add to this, he has also had to deal with discovering his employee, Noah Dingle (Jack Downham) has been stalking Chloe Harris (Jessica Elland). His early friendship with Paddy Kirk helped to establish one of Emmerdale's best-loved double acts. The actor is actually 74-years-old, having been born on May 19, 1948, which means he is three years younger than his character. With that in mind, Soaps.com has compiled a list of the longest-serving actors currently working in daytime television. In her 51-year-long stint on the soap, Rita has proved to be a mother figure for many a Weatherfield residents, but her most precious baby was probably her newsagent shop, The Kabin. You can see people getting confused," the soap star commented. David is currently married to Tracy, with their relationship currently on rocky ground due to her dark past. Having been on the show for 36 years, Chris would have been 38-years-old when he was first featured as the villainous businessman. The longest-serving character currently in the show, Eric Pollard has been on our screens for almost 38 years since September 1986. Here's our full guide to the 2018 Emmerdale cast. Cafe owner Bob made his first appearance in September 2000. What was the name of the much-loved Coronation Street pet dog who was put down in April 2020 after 14 years? The pensioner was seen getting emotional as he told his son, David Metcalfe (played by Matthew Wolfeden), that he had got his second vaccine. Currently, he holds the position of being the longest-serving cast member on the soap, having first appeared in 1986. 2023 SheMedia, LLC. Included among them are an enduring, Wanna see who came in at No. Diane joined the village in 1999 and ran The Woolpack until 2016. The actor, who plays Ken Barlow, has featured in 4,178 episodes of the show and counting in a career. He plays the head of the Dingle family, and fans have been speculating about what happened to his . Daughter of cousins Cain and Charity, Debbie arrived in 2002 when she was fostered by Paddy and Emily Kirk. Originally a village villain, Eric mellowed over the years and had a popular on-screen partnership with his wife Val, who died in 2015. When our lives are in turmoil, we turn to daytime TV to restore a sense of calm, a notion of Look, its OK, heres everybody you want and expect to see; not everythings been turned upside-down on you.. He and Sally were officially married after he obtained a divorce. Escape. Ian has been married five times and has had countless feuds in Walford, including a long-standing one with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Warner actually first played the role in the movie The Blue Lamp in 1950. It only includes appearances within the main programme and not the spin - offs . Richard Thorp was Emmerdale's longest-serving actor. He left the village with his aunt Zoe in 2005, but made a shock return in 2017 using the alias "Tom Waterhouse" to fool everyone. Belle is currently in a relationship with Lachlan White, unaware of the dark secret he's keeping over his family's fatal road crash. Due to his age, the show included this in scenes which aired last year to do with the coronavirus pandemic. in that area are soapdoms lifers, the veteran actors who have become as much a part of our day-to-day as coffee and antidepressants. Who is in the cast of Emmerdale 2022? Meet the full line-up Originally a village villain, Eric mellowed over the years and had a popular on-screen partnership with his wife Val, who died in 2015. Fan favourite Danny Miller then took over the role, sticking with the show until 2012 and making a return in 2014. Paddy is already stepdad to Rhona and Marlon's son Leo and a father figure to Chas's son Aaron. The show aired from 1955 until 1976, just in time to miss punk. The constant in his life appears to be his wife Clarrie (Heather Bell), who has stood by him through thick and thin. But there are a number of characters who've managed that impressive feat of TV endurance, with some outlasting the very shows that birthed them. 1 on the list? Want more spoilers from Coronation Street? By Posted could you please confirm your attendance to the meeting In self awareness group activities 0 . Sallis appeared in every single episode of the BBC sitcom, from its debut in January 1973 to its denouement in August 2010. After falling for Zak early on, Lisa has been central to many of the Dingles' dramas over the years. Also, let's give a shout out to Jane Freeman, who played Ivy for 37 years, and Kathy Staff who managed an impressive 35 years in the iconic role of Nora Batty. Could there be new love on the horizon for her this year? As of 2023, William Roache holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving actor in a television soap opera, having played Ken Barlow on Coronation Street since 1960. Will life slow down for Eric at any point? Rhona initially appeared in Emmerdale in 2001 and 2002, but has been a much more central character since being reintroduced in 2010. Nancy Brown. The hard-working Pat has endured many a heartaches during her time at Ambridge, including the loss of her son John and the accident that almost claimed the life of her husband. Only surpassed by the retired Eileen Derbyshire, Barbara is still going strong playing the newsagent everyone loves to love. WWE 2023 draft who is on Raw and SmackDown? Yes, consistency! Also featured on Crossroads, Harrison is best known for playing the role of Eddie Grundy on The Archers. He was the longest serving actor in the show on a continuous basis until Chris Chittell surpassed the 31 years, 2 months and 2 weeks in mid December 2017. Daniel Craig is considered to be the longest-serving Bond actor, having played the part for more than 15 years. Emmerdale: Alan Turner falls down the stairs. Some things never change. It only includes appearances within the main programme and not thespin-offs. Cain recently reunited with his wife Moira following the birth of their son Isaac in late 2017. Christopher Chittell is Emmerdale's longest-serving actor ever, having played Eric Pollard for 31 years. 10 longest-serving soap stars in Britain - The Scottish Sun The clinical nurse specialist is a constant presence at Holby City Hospital, known for his sense of humour and his several brushes with death. 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", "Reality and fiction close together for Leah "Marianne" Thys in "Home": "She really wants to play this story", "Jacky Lafon on Gunther Levi's departure from 'Family': "I have no words for it", "Actor Bart Van Avermaet (Waldek) addresses viewers: "It hurts, but make sure that "Home" stays on the tube", "Farewell Doctor Ann: actress Monika Van Lierde leaves "Home" after 25 years, and after these memorable TV moments", "Luc Bomans passed away peacefully in "Thuis", actor Mark Willems looks back: "Luc was not really bad", "After her dismissal in 'Thuis': Janine Bischops switches to 'Family', "Trudy leaves 'Family' tonight after 20 years: "This was not my own choice", "Eddy from "Home" has his tattoo removed? Matthews debuted in the role of Jenny in 1986 and first left Weatherfield in 1991. Despite the coronavirus pandemic delaying the return of older members of the cast to the set of the ITV soap, Chris has featured quite prominently over the past 12 months. At this time, the actor would have been 19-years-old, meaning he wouldn't appear on Emmerdale until almost 20 years later. 2023 SheMedia, LLC. He and Lesley were also told they didn't have to social distance when appearing in scenes together because they lived together at home. And, for those curious, David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst played Del Boy and Rodney Trotter for 33 years, though there was a break of over 11 years before they returned for the 2014 Sport Relief special. It is thought he celebrated the occasion with his wife and Brenda Walker star, Lesley Dunlop, but it is not known how they marked it as they don't share details of their private life often. Although now Aaron has reunited with his soulmate Robert Sugden, fans will be hoping there's no more tears for a while. Leslie Charleson Taken Off Contract", "Leslie Charleson checks back in to General Hospital! David has faced huge financial problems in the wake of the pandemic, with it having a huge impact on his business - the village shop. In 1983 Kevin Webster walked onto Coronation Street for the first time and hes been there ever since. Chris is Emmerdale's longest-serving actor, having played Eric continuously since the character's introduction in September 1986. Kevin previously tied the knot with Sally (Sally Dynevor) and had daughters Rosie (Helen Flanagan) and Sophie (Brooke Vincent) through that marriage. Emmerdale full cast guide and pictures: Who plays who? He left screens in 1998 when he was arrested for his involvement in an armed robbery, but returned in 2000. Sally Dexter took over the role in 2017 and fans have seen Faith try to make amends with her family after years of estrangement. List of longest serving Emmerdale Characters Emmerdale star wows with ripped . In 2018, Joe finally revealed his true identity and his wicked desire to make former stepmumCharity pay for his dad's death. Here are the longest-serving UK soap stars. The Canadian-British star has been a part of the Ambridge community since the mid-1970s, when he joined the cast as villain Brian Aldridge. An incredible innings for the actor, who died aged 96 in 2017. Emmerdale theory: Secret village wedding unveiled as beloved - Express Subscribe to Radio Times magazine and get 12 issues for 1, Carole Boyd as Linda Snell (The Archers) - First appeared: 1986, Felicity Finch as Ruth Archer (The Archers) - First appeared: 1987, Philip Molloy as Phil Grundy (The Archers) - First appeared: 1989, Simon Gregson as Steve McDonald (Coronation Street) - First appeared: 1989, Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell (Coronation Street) - First appeared: February 1990, Natalie Cassidy as Sonia Fowler (EastEnders) - First appeared: December 1993, Steve Halliwell as Zak Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: October 1994, James Hooton as Sam Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: February 1995, Nick Pickard as Tony Hutchinson (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: October 1995, Mark Charnock as Marlon Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: October 1996, Jimmy McKenna as Jack Osborne (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: November 1996, Stephanie Waring as Cindy Cunningham (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: December 1996, Dominic Brunt as Paddy Kirk (Emmerdale) - First appeared: February 1997, Jane Danson as Leanne Battersby (EastEnders) - First appeared: July 1997, Alan Halsall as Tyrone Dobbs (Coronation Street) - First appeared: November 1998, Tina O'Brien as Sarah Platt (Coronation Street) - First appeared: October 1999, Ellis Hollins as Tom Cunningham (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: December 1999, Emma Atkins as Charity Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: March 2000, Jeff Hordley as Cain Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: March 2000, Jack P. Shepherd as David Platt (Coronation Street) - First appeared: April 2000, Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw (EastEnders) - First appeared: May 2000, Samia Longchambon as Maria Connor (EastEnders) - First appeared: May 2000, Louiza Patikas as Helen Titchener (The Archers) - First appeared: 2000, Jennie McAlpine as Fiz Stape (Coronation Street) - First appeared: April 2001, Lucy Pargeter as Chas Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: October 2002, Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater (EastEnders) - First appeared: November 2004, Jessica Fox as Nancy Hayton (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: July 2005, Adrian Lewis Morgan as Jimmi Clay (Doctors) - First appeared: September 2005, Kieron Richardson as Ste Hay (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: February 2006, Jennifer Metcalfe as Mercedes McQueen (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: June 2006. Richard Stanley Thorp was an English actor who played Alan Turner for 31 years from 1982 to 2013. Recent years have seen Cain start to soften up, although he's still partial to kidnapping people and locking them up in car boots when the mood takes him. He has portrayed the role since 1986, making him the longest-serving cast member in the soap's history. Emmerdale star Richard Thorp was one of the soap's longest serving actors before his tragic death in 2013. Bill has previously told how he has no plans to retire and wants to still be acting on the show at 100. Before Emmerdale Richard's other TV credits include Crossroads, Emergency Ward 10 and numerous films. You're either too young to remember the big lines or have better things to do on weekday evenings, You watch them sometimes so you kinda know what's been going on, You love watching the soaps so much your entire week is planned around when they air. He played the role of former Woolpack owner Alan Turner in the ITV soap, best known for his friendship with Seth Armstrong and flirtations with vet secretary Pearl. From being held hostage at work to having a heart attack, Charlie has survived very dramatic and potentially fatal situations. Belle was born to parents Zak and Lisa on Christmas Day 1998. Christopher John Chittell (born 19th May 1948 in Aldershot, Hampshire) is an English actor best known for his role as Eric Pollard in ITV's Emmerdale, a part that he has played since 1986 and as of 2023 he is the longest-serving actor on the show since the deaths of Clive Hornby in 2008 and Richard Thorp in 2013. Eric Pollard was the show's villain when he was introduced in 1986 Credit: AMY BRAMMALL. Eric is played by actor Christopher Chittell and he is the soap's longest-serving actor having played the part since 1986. DON'T MISSEmmerdales Rosie Bentham pleads for co-stars return 'A lot of drama'[COMMENT]'Traumatising' Emmerdale's Mark Charnock humiliated on the train[COMMENT]Emmerdales Jeff Hordley addresses behind the scenes trouble[COMMENT]. hollyoaks actors who have died in real life EMMERDALE star Dominic Brunt has played Paddy Kirk for over 25 years which makes him one of the longest-serving actors on the show. We look to our soaps for many things, right? Monday, 1st May 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Sue arrived as Audrey Roberts in 1979 with various stints until 1985. .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{}Former Who are the longest-serving actors in soap? | Radio Times Who are the longest-serving actors in soap? One of the most recognisable stars from the Dales, Steve has been playing Zak since October 1994. Put it in your neck yourself! Another Corrie veteran, Nicholls has been playing hairdresser Audrey since the late 1970s. Some characters who have had more than one actor, such as Robert Sugden, Gabby Thomas and Priya Kotecha, are indicated by a in the Actor columm. Knox first joined the ITV soap as Rita Tanner (then known as Rita Littlewood) in 1964 before returning in a regular capacity in 1972. Meg Johnson joined Emmerdale in 2003 after bowing out of Channel 4'sBrookside. Noah also now has a half-brother in the show following the shock return of Chris's son Joe Tate. The local vet has 6-year-old son Leo from her past relationship with Marlon Dingle. From Emma Atkins to Michelle Hardwick and Jeff Hordley. The final series airs later this year. A farmer with an eye for business and several extramarital affairs, Brian's wrongdoings came back to haunt him when he was forced to retire after his involvement in the dumping of toxic chemicals was revealed. It seems he will ask his father to help him get out of this rut but it is not known if Eric will be able to help with matters. Originally cast as a character due to only appear in a few eps of the global hit Cheers, Dr Frasier Crane's popularity was so high that not only did he stick around after his 1984 debut, he even got his own spin-off. The following is a list of the top 100 longest serving Emmerdalecharacters who have been featured in the show as of 30th April 2023. Soaps.com is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Zak Dingle actor Steve Halliwell to return to Emmerdale after heart Prince Harry to use coronation trip to his advantage when he returns to the States? [1] Biography [ edit] Early life [ edit] Chittell was born in Aldershot, Hampshire. Chris Chittell age: How old is Emmerdale's Eric Pollard star? Known for being villainous, he's toned down in recent years. Ian Beale but he is widely expected to return soon. The following is a list of the top 100 longest serving Emmerdalecharacters who have been featured in the show as ofFebruary 2022. The fun-loving vet was originally brought in as a locum for Zoe Tate. Coronation Street usually airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV. Poirot clocked in 70 episodes when it came to an end in 2013. Meghan Markle's Jubilee stint slammed by GB News guest, Coronation Street fans 'work out' Toyah's killer plan as Imran exits. Frasier came to an end in 2004 (although that said, there's talk of a reboot), bringing the curtain down on two decades of psychoanalysis-based hilarity. Over the years, Eric has always celebrated his birthday in the summer, having been born on June 11, 1945, which means this month, he will be turning 77-years-old. Recent years have seen Cain start to soften up, although he's still partial to kidnapping people and locking them up in car boots when the mood takes him. [4], Legend How are they all related? Entertainment Daily has a dedicated Coronation Street spoilers section for you to get your fix before the latest episodes air. Fight Club explained: Whats the big twist? The list is sorted by default in the order of time between first and last appearances of a character in years and months. Although despite that tough task, nothing has stopped her from having lots of fun along the way No-nonsense Nicola joined the Dales in 2001, left in early 2006 but returned just 18 months later in 2007. Think The Archers' Patricia Greene as Jill Archer or Coronation Street's William Roache as Weatherfield's resident philander Ken Barlow. Emmerdale's iconic character Eric Pollard is played by. At the centre of a storyline about depression and alcohol abuse, Audrey managed to pull through thanks to her loved ones and re-opened her salon in 2022. The comfort soaps provide has often to do with watching the same characters going through ups and downs for years, or even decades. Though he technically left Albert Square last year, he returned to the show for a cameo appearance during Dot Branning's (June Brown) funeral in December.