Emmerdale's Chris Chittell has split from his wife - and is being comforted by co-star Lorraine Chase.

The actor, who plays villain Eric Pollard, walked out of his family home five weeks ago after 26 years of marriage.

"He told me he wants to walk more walks, run more races, climb more mountains. Boys' stuff," wife Caroline told the News of the World.

Chittell has been spending more time in the company of Lorraine, better known as Steph Stokes on the soap, however he denies any rumours of romance. He was spotted letting himself into Lorraine's home last Thursday, before spending most of his evening with her.

"My marriage is between me and my wife," he insisted.