Val Pollard

Self-centred, thoughtless, liar, cheat... Val Pollard (Charlie Hardwick) is all of that - but she's also one of the best tragi-comic characters on TV.

Marriages Eric Pollard

Children Paul, Sharon

2004 Arrives in Emmerdale in February with two black eyes claiming she's been assaulted; turns out she's had cosmetic surgery. Has a romp with toyboy Danny Daggert. Had an affair with Rodney Blackstock when he was married to her sister, Diane; takes up with him again but it doesn't last. Reveals Rodney is Paul's father.

2005 Meets her match in the equally self-centred Eric Pollard and moves in with him. Val's ex, Jimmy Pepper, turns up. Discovers he's not Paul's father and Val steals from The Woolpack to pay him back money he gave her for Paul's upbringing. Gets community service for the theft and strikes up a friendship with cantankerous villager Noreen Bell.

2006 Inherits from Noreen after she's killed in the explosion at the King's show home and buys Louise Appleton's share in The Woolpack.

2007 Wrecks her daughter Sharon's wedding to a footballer. Has an affair with Billy Hopwood and is heartbroken when she realises he loves Diane. One of the most moving scenes in Emmerdale's history is Val telling Diane how she feels.

2008 A comedy storyline about Val's cataracts ends in near-tragedy when she knocks down little Samson Dingle. Sets up Val's Interiors with Eric. Kidnapped by the Dingles on her wedding day. They think Eric will pay £10,000 to get her back - and when Val discovers Eric organised their wedding on the cheap she works with the Dingles. Hears how much Eric loves her and marries him. Loses factory after Sam burns down business mistakenly thinking Eric wants the insurance money.

2009 Throws herself at Rodney, thinking he's after vulnerable Diane and the pub. Her motives are pure (for a change): she wants to save Diane from further heartbreak. Has got the wrong end of the stick, though (as usual) and nearly destroys her marriage. Sells her share of pub to Diane. Buys into B&B with Eric.

Played by Charlie Hardwick

Born 3 November 1960, Charlie Hardwick worked as a civil servant before becoming an actress. Won the 1998 Best Actress Award at the Monte Carlo International Television Festival for her role in The Scar. Is an avid supporter of Newcastle United FC... Read More