A true legend has left us. Eric Allan, the beloved actor who graced our screens and airwaves for nearly five decades, has passed away at the age of 85. His death marks the end of an era, leaving a lasting impact on the world of television and radio.
Eric's career spanned an impressive 48 years, during which he captivated audiences with his diverse roles. He began his journey as the charismatic blacksmith Frank Blakey in the early days of Emmerdale, then known as Emmerdale Farm. His character's opposition to hunting and refusal to shoe horses ridden in local hunts created a memorable arc in the soap's history.
But here's where it gets controversial... Frank's storyline took an unexpected turn when he married Janie Harker (Diane Grayson) in the show's very first wedding. This event, a significant milestone for the soap, was followed by Eric's departure from the series in 1974.
In addition to his soap opera fame, Eric also lent his talent to BBC Radio 4's The Archers, where he portrayed the beloved farmer Bert Fry for a quarter of a century. His performance as Bert brought a unique blend of humor and heart to the show, with Eric noting in 2021 that his character was often called upon to provide light relief amidst the show's more depressing storylines.
And this is the part most people miss... Eric's personal life was just as fascinating as his on-screen adventures. He is survived by his wife Susan, whom he married in 1963, and their two children. Born in 1940 to a soldier-turned-headmaster father and a midwife mother, Eric's early life was marked by a move to Canada before returning to the UK at 18 to study at RADA.
His career path took him through Leicester and Nottingham theatres, where he honed his craft before joining the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company. It was here that he worked with renowned director Mike Leigh, who cast him in his first feature film, Bleak Moments. The film, based on a stage play, divided critics but was praised by The Guardian as 'a striking and entirely original first feature.'
Eric's final appearance in The Archers was in February 2020, after which he decided to retire. His character, Bert, met his end off-microphone the following year. One of Eric's most memorable performances in The Archers was in 2015, when Bert's wife Freda died during the devastating Ambridge flood. Despite never being heard on the show, Eric always felt Freda's presence strongly, describing it as an emotional impression of her as a real person.
In addition to his iconic roles in Emmerdale and The Archers, Eric also starred in a range of other TV shows, including Hold the Back Page, where he played a tabloid sports editor opposite David Warner, and Coronation Street, where he portrayed one of Bet Lynch's boyfriends, Les Fox. He also made guest appearances in Z Cars, The New Avengers, Bergerac, The Bill, and EastEnders.
Eric Allan's passing on February 8, as reported by The Telegraph, leaves a void in the entertainment industry. His contributions to television and radio will forever be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors.
So, what do you think? Is Eric Allan's impact on British entertainment undeniable, or do you have a different perspective? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
