ITV/Shutterstock Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 3 Mar 2026, 09:03 By Carena Crawford 3 Mar 2026, 09:03 Emmerdale and The Archers actor Eric Allan dies aged 85 after nearly 50 years on television He played Frank Blakely in the 1970s Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 3 Mar 2026, 09:03 By Carena Crawford 3 Mar 2026, 09:03 Emmerdale star Eric Allan, who was also known for The Archers, has died aged 85. The actor, whose career spanned almost five decades, played blacksmith Frank Blakely on the show when it was known as Emmerdale Farm. Eric starred in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) Emmerdale actor Eric Allan dies No cause of death has been given for Eric, who is survived by his wife Susan and their son and daughter. He reportedly died on February 8, 2026. He was born in 1940 in Yorkshire, and grew up there and in Wolverhampton until he was 15. The family then moved to Canada. His mum was a drama tutor and his dad a soldier. Eric returned to Britain when he was 18, determined to become an actor. He attended RADA. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers He was best-known to Emmerdale fans as Frank, who owned and worked at Beckingdale Forge. Frank was friends with Jack Sugden. Appearing in the soap from 1972 until 1974, his most notable story was falling in love with Janie Harker. The couple married in 1973 in what was the soap’s first-ever wedding. Frank was offered a job as a teacher in Essex and he and Janie left the village together in 1974.Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your Emmerdale newsIt's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news & schedules to share with our community of loyal readers. Click here and tick TVGuide.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search. Eric also had a role in Coronation Street as evil Les Fox. He set up a date with Bet Lynch, but stood her up so he could rob the shop she lived above. He appeared in July 1977. Eric also appeared in Corrie (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) Post-Emmerdale career Eric also had roles in The Bill and Where the Heart is. In 1997 he joined The Archers on BBc Radio 4 and played farmer Bert Fry for 25 years until 2021. Bert was known for his love of poetry ans folklore and was hugely affected by the death of his wife, Freda, in 2015. He also had roles in films, starting with 1968’s Tell Me Lies. Eric had appeared in the theatre version of the play a year earlier. He appeared in I.D. another film in 1995. Other credits include Bleak Moments, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and Bergerac. Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 3 Mar 2026, 09:03 By Carena Crawford 3 Mar 2026, 09:03 Next Story
