Emmerdale star Chris Chittell BEM has revealed he once asked bosses to bring back a co-star who appeared alongside him in his first ever scene.
The 74-year-old actor is best known for playing Eric Pollard in the ITV soap since 1986, making him the longest-serving cast member and character in the show's history.
As part of Emmerdale's 50th anniversary celebrations, he's opened up about his first day on set 36 years ago.
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Chris said: "It was in 1986 at the Otley Cattle Market and I was playing a bit of dodgy chap.
"I was working opposite a delightful lady by the name of Jane Hutcheson, who played Sandie Merrick, who was just wonderful.
"I bounce off people who have chutzpah and she definitely had that.
"I did try and encourage the powers that be a few years ago to bring her back, she’s a mighty atom and a powerhouse and I love working with powerhouses. She was great."
Pollard was originally served as the show's villain, but this has been noticeably toned down in recent years, particularly since Eric's marriage to Val Lambert (Charlie Hardwick) and the introduction of his long-lost son, David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden).
Opening up about what he likes most about playing mischievous villager Eric, Chris explained: "My character gets up people's noses straight away.
"One of the joys of the character is the fact he can do that and it looks as if he is going to manipulate everybody.
"If he was seen to capitalise on what he did, people wouldn’t tolerate him. I look at his antics every now and again and just crease up at what he gets away with, or not."
Chris has worked with plenty of talented stars over the years and went on to reveal which past character he'd like to being back.
"Paula Tilbrook as Betty," he said. "At a giddy age, she was still producing laughter and was such a gutsy character."
"One of the delights of being part of the show is the fact I have so much respect for people that take their lines off the page and do something really amazing with it. It’s a long list of people that have done that over the years."
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm
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