This week, a living legend of Emmerdale, Eric Pollard, officially turns 80. With nearly 40 years on the soap, he is not only the longest-serving character but also the epicenter of countless dramatic, tragic, and unforgettable storylines. From a universally despised villain, Pollard has undergone a tumultuous journey to become an indispensable, complex icon in the hearts of fans. On this special occasion, let’s turn back the stormy pages of Eric Pollard’s history.

The Dark Beginnings: A Ruthless Scoundrel

When Eric Pollard first set foot in the village of Beckindale (Emmerdale’s original name) back in 1986, he didn’t bring good intentions. As a natural opportunist, Pollard quickly turned the peaceful village into his personal stage for illegal business schemes. From cooking the books at Hotten Market to pursuing vendettas against locals, Pollard quickly established himself as a formidable villain.

His most horrifying crime from this era was the scheme involving the Rosetti family. Pollard befriended them only to stage a burglary at their own home. In the ensuing chaos, Paolo Rosetti accidentally shot himself, ending up in a wheelchair, and later took his own life under mysterious circumstances. Although all suspicion fell on Pollard, the police could never find enough evidence, leaving the old fox to walk free.

Aerial Tragedy and a Wife’s Suspicious Death

The biggest and most shocking storyline Pollard was ever a part of was the catastrophic plane crash of 1993. This disaster claimed the lives of many villagers, including Pollard’s second wife, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth’s death has forever been a stain on Pollard’s history. Just moments before the wreckage fell, she had discovered that her husband had framed her son for cheque fraud and was about to expose him. Pollard claimed she was tragically struck by falling debris, but public opinion never stopped suspecting: was it an accident, or a “godsend” opportunity for Pollard to silence his wife? Years later, he confessed that he had, in fact, planned to kill her that day. Lucky for him, the plane got there first.

From a Mail-Order Bride to a Political Pawn

Pollard’s heart has also been broken many times. After a trip to the Philippines, he returned with his fiancée, Dee La Cruz, who was later revealed to be a “mail-order bride.” Despite the truth coming out, they married, but the union quickly dissolved when Dee decided to return to her home country alone, leaving Pollard so devastated that he attempted suicide.

Later, Pollard met and married Gloria Weaver (wife number four), an ambitious woman who pushed him into politics. She even convinced him to seduce a local councillor to secure his mayoral seat. But Gloria used this very scandal to bring Pollard down, winning a seat in Parliament for herself and running off with her assistant after emptying her husband’s bank account and faking her own death. Pollard once again tasted betrayal at the hands of someone he trusted.

The Turning Point: Val, David, and the Transformation

The arrival of Valerie ‘Val’ Lambert, Diane Sugden’s sister, changed everything. Val was a fiery, formidable woman and the only one who was truly Pollard’s “match.” Their relationship was volatile but also incredibly deep. It was Val who slowly began to humanize Pollard, and together they fostered the teenager Amy Wyatt. Tragedy struck when Val died in a horrific helicopter crash, trapped and crushed by debris in a hall of mirrors. Val’s death completely broke Pollard, as he confessed in his eulogy, “Without her, I am lost in the dark again.”

During this time, another major turning point occurred: Pollard discovered he had a son, David Metcalfe. David initially arrived in the village intending to scam £20,000 from the father he never knew. However, the bond of father and son gradually brought them together. David’s arrival, and later Pollard’s grandfatherly affection for Jacob, truly began to soften his heart of stone. He started showing a warm, familial side that no one ever thought possible.

Old Age, Illness, and the Schemer’s Instinct

In 2023, Pollard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Facing declining health, he has become more vulnerable than ever. But the old fox within him has not completely disappeared. Recently, he was scammed out of all his money in an investment scheme, taking his fiancée Brenda’s savings down with him. Their relationship shattered, leaving Pollard alone at nearly 80, struggling with his health and his loneliness.

What Does the Future Hold?

As Eric Pollard celebrates his 80th birthday, fans can’t help but wonder what comes next. Rumors that actor Chris Chittell might be leaving the show this year only add to the suspense. Is Pollard still hiding one final secret? Will he find a peaceful end, or will one last scheme seal his fate? Whatever happens, Emmerdale would never be the same without him.

Happy birthday to a true legend, Eric Pollard!