Jump directly to the content

FORMER Emmerdale star Charlie Hardwick was left "hurt" by the brutal way the show killed her off.

The 58-year-old actress played Val Pollard in the ITV soap from 2004 until 2015, when her character died in the aftermath of a huge helicopter crash.

 Former Emmerdale star Charlie Hardwick was left 'hurt' by the brutal way soap killed her off
4
Former Emmerdale star Charlie Hardwick was left 'hurt' by the brutal way soap killed her offCredit: Rex Features

Val was trapped in the hall of mirrors during a summer fete, and when the helicopter exploded, a shard of glass impaled her, killing the character instantly.

Speaking to about the brutal scenes, Charlie said: "I loved Emmerdale. It was my choice to leave.

"I have to say I was absolutely shocked when I found out they were going to kill Val.

"I think when you spend most of your life addressed and behaving like somebody else, then you find out that they're going to savagely annihilate her – I was really hurt."

 Val was impaled on a shard of glass after the soap's big helicopter crash in 2015
4
Val was impaled on a shard of glass after the soap's big helicopter crash in 2015Credit: ITV
 Val has returned as a ghost on a couple of occasions since then
4
Val has returned as a ghost on a couple of occasions since thenCredit: ITV

Charlie - who is now starring in Channel 4 drama Ackley Bridge - added: "I was upset on her behalf. It was as brutal as you can get.

"That'll teach us for saying time for me to go."

Despite Val's heartbreaking death, the character has made a couple of appearances in the Dales since - as a ghost.

As well as appearing to husband Eric - played by Chris Chittell - Val's spirit also visited Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) in a dream episode during the 2017 Christmas Day edition.

 Charlie is still good friends with Chris Chittell who played her on-screen husband Eric Pollard
4
Charlie is still good friends with Chris Chittell who played her on-screen husband Eric PollardCredit: Rex Features

Charlie said: "I'm still in touch with my widowed husband Chris Chittell.

"We're good friends. I'm near my friends so I can hang out with them."


Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


Topics