ACTOR Chris Chittell plays Eric Pollard in the ITV soap Emmerdale. A supporter of the charity Bloodwise, you can follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisChittell.
What was your first car?
It was a Mini Countryman Estate with wooden bits, garden growing between sliding windows! It cost £75 and I drove it for two years then I gave it to my mother and she had it for a further four years!
How many times did it take to pass your test?
I took my test at 19. I had such a bad time with the examiner I swore never again because he was so rude! I drove for 20 years with a dodgy licence purchased from a contact at the British Embassy in Athens and sent it back annually to be stamped! Not clever I know! I finally passed after a crash course under the expertise of Graham In Newark. He was so good he passed my mate Glynn Purcell, who’s driving history was even worse than mine. Ten lessons – so in essence I took my test twice!
Who would be your fantasy passenger and where would you go?
I would take my wife and we would do the race from Paris to Capetown in a Morgan – not the most practical of cars for such a journey but what the hell, it’s romantic! It would of course have to be my wife. Do you wish me an early death?
Tell me what anecdote from your driving past?
On my way to see my parents in a recently-purchased Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite, a motorbike cop hauled me over, obviously to compliment on my exemplary driving skills. He approached me, bent down to speak as we drifted back to bump into his parked bike! After apologising profusely and the officer berating me, I took my leave of him with no further problems.
What is your dream car?
A Bentley soft top. Pure elegance.
How would you describe your driving style?
Interesting! I am more considerate these days.
What are you listening to?
The sounds of goat bells and cockerels honeymooning up in the mountains of Ithaca!
What are you driving now?
I drive a top of the range Honda CRV. I need a 4x4 due to winter weather. I picked it up the day before flying off to Ionian Sea so there is perhaps 50 to 60 miles on clock! It’s maybe early days, but it’s nice to drive – so far.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here