Emmerdale stars Chris Chittell and Lesley Dunlop marry in intimate ceremony

Two well known Emmerdale characters have married in real life!

Lovely news for Emmerdale couple Chris Chittell and Lesley Dunlop, who tied the knot in an intimate ceremony over the weekend!

The pair, otherwise known as Eric Pollard and Brenda Walker from one of Britain's best-loved soaps, got hitched in a romantic ceremony in Cornwall.

Chris' character Eric Pollard is known for being a villain in the soap, but he was all smiles on Saturday as he wed Lesley in the coastal village of Coverack.

Lesley, 60 and Chris, 68, who have been dating for eight years, announced their engagement last year. The wedding took place on Saturday in the small picturesque village of Coverack at St Peter's Church, and they held their reception at the nearby Paris Hotel.

Nigel Gooding, 39, was in the area at the time and saw the two cast members walk past him. Nigel told the Mirror: 'We were out for dinner, and my wife said "Doesn't she look like Brenda from Emmerdale?" The next time we looked round, Eric Pollard was standing next to her!'

Chris' character Eric is one of Emmerdale's longest standing cast members, having joined the show in 1986 - enough time for Eric Pollard to have been married five times! Lesley's character joined the show in 2008 and has been through various ups and downs, including being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Lesley looked beautiful for her special day in a cream gown, floral headband and cream lace boots, while Chris looked smart in a beige suit.

Some of their Emmerdale co-stars joined them for their special day, including Bhasker Patel, Sam Hall and Nicola Wheeler.

Both Chris and Lesley have had previous relationships. Chris was married for 26 years to ex-wife Caroline, while Lesley was married to Christopher Guard, with whom she has two children.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Sarah Finley
Freelance wrtier

 Sarah is a freelance journalist, writing for various women's magazines and national online consumer titles including the BBC and The Daily Mail, for over 10 years. Sarah has interviewed CEO's, real-life case studies and celebrities. Writing on everything from travel to fitness, and business to beauty - some of her features have been read by millions of people - in just one day.