Soap Couple Turned Real-Life Partners
Emmerdale fans rejoice! Beloved soap couple Eric Pollard and Brenda Walker, portrayed by actors Chris Chittell, 76, and Lesley Dunlop, 68, are not just an on-screen duo but also a real-life item. The couple first met in 2008 when Lesley joined the soap, and they have been happily married since 2016.
Love Transcends On and Off-Screen
Chris and Lesley's connection off-screen translated into their characters, who became a couple shortly after Brenda's arrival in the village. Despite facing rocky relationship hurdles, including Eric's Parkinson's diagnosis, the couple's bond remains strong.
A Real-Life Love Story
Chris and Lesley began their real-life relationship after meeting on the set of Emmerdale. They got engaged in 2015 and tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in 2016. The couple, who credit the soap for bringing them together, enjoy working together on the show.
Balancing Work and Home Life
While they love going to work together, Chris and Lesley draw a strict line between their work and home lives. They make a point not to discuss Emmerdale at home. However, fans sometimes have a hard time separating the actors from their on-screen personas when they spot them out and about.
Continuing the Legacy
As one of Emmerdale's longest-serving cast members, Chris feels "privileged" to portray Eric's Parkinson's storyline. With their enduring real-life relationship, Chris and Lesley's on-screen chemistry continues to captivate audiences, making their portrayal of Eric and Brenda all the more authentic.
