Eric Allan loss of life: Emmerdale actor dies aged 85 as followers pay tribute

Emmerdale and The Archers actor Eric Allan has died at the age of 85.

The soap star was best known for playing Frank Blakey on the ITV show, joining the cast of Emmerdale Farm in 1972 before it was renamed 17 years later.

Allan went on to voice Bert Fry in Radio 4’s The Archers for 25 years after leaving the soap. He also took on roles in The Bill, Heartbeat, Bergerac and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes during his 53-year career.

The actor died on 8 February and is survived by his wife Susan and their two children.

Fans paid tribute to Allan on social media, with one writing on X: “Such a legend in the industry. Eric Allan’s contributions to both Emmerdale and The Archers will never be forgotten.

“His talent and dedication shaped so many memorable moments. Rest in peace.”

Another wrote: “Eric Allan’s 48 years bringing characters to life in Emmerdale and The Archers left a real mark. Sad loss for soap fans everywhere.”

Allan – who was born David Eric Allan on March 8 1940 – began his acting career in 1967, appearing in an episode of The Wednesday Play. He took on guest roles in Z Cars and Barlow before making his soap debut as Frank Blakey on Emmerdale Farm in 1972.

Frank was best known for his strong opposition to hunting on the soap as well as his marriage to fellow resident Janie Harker (Diane Grayson) in the soap’s first-ever wedding.

After leaving the soap in 1974, Allan took over the role of Bert Fry on The Archers after the death of original actor Roger Hume. He stayed on the radio drama for almost 50 years, playing the farmer with a penchant for poetry.

“He’s the character the production team tend to turn to if the storylines are getting too depressing and a bit of light relief is called for,” he previous said according to The Telegraph.

Allan spent several years working with the Royal Shakespeare Company before his TV debut, appearing in Peter Brook’s production of US – a play set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War.

He also worked in Mike Leigh at the RSC before starring in his first film, 1971’s Bleak Moments, with Anne Raitt. He took on a role in Leigh’s Nuts in May five years later, playing a quarryman opposite Alison Steadman and Roger Sloman’s camping couple.