Emmerdale fans get ready for another heartbreaking storyline. The ITV Soap has confirmed a new twist for veteran Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell). Eric has been a core part of the soap for decades and now, he has a very important story to tell. In the previous episode, all fans got emotional along with Pollard as he told Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Eric has battled multiple health battles over the years, including a heart attack and related health issues. But he may not be able to dodge this one. Fans are deeply saddened and went to Twitter (X) to express their feelings. So, let us wait and see how Eric’s story will unfold.
Eric Pollard Shares His Big Secret With Mandy
The November 1 (Wednesday) episode of Emmerdale began with revealing the secrets of Dingles through flashbacks. Mandy appeared to be keeping a secret about the ongoing murder mystery of Craig Reed. In the salon, she was talking about the secret to Pollard and asking him to fix it. As they hadthe conversation, Pollard broke down into tears. Mandy gave him a cup of tea and tried to console him, assuming that it was about Brenda Walker’s (Lesley Dunlop) illness.
Describing all the symptoms, including feeling less steady on his feet and numbness in his fingers, Pollard told Mandy that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He made Mandy swear that she wouldn’t tell anyone as he hadn’t even shared it with Brenda. When Mandy asked if he was terrified, he replied, “Mandy, I’m terrified. This is it, the slow decline. I’ve dodged all the bullets; this one has finally got me. This is our secret. Do this my way, promise me.”
All emotional Emmerdale fans went to Twitter (X). One of the fans wrote, “They’ve gone and given Eric Parkinsons.” Another added: “The scenes between Chris Chittell & Lisa Riley are so sad.” While another appreciated the scene and tweeted, “Think the scenes between poor Eric and Mandy have been the best ones so far.”
Emmerdale With Charity Parkinson’s UK, Aims To Raise Awareness
Emmerdale is looking forward to portraying Pollard’s journey with Parkinson’s in the most authentic and sensitive way. While working with the charity Parkinson’s UK, the makers aim to raise awareness about the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. Parkinson’s affects around 153,000 people in the UK, and every hour, two more people are diagnosed.
Producer Laura Shaw stated, “ Eric Pollard is diagnosed with Parkinson’s; he’s naturally very scared and unsure of what the condition means for his future.” She added that this is the perfect time to shine a light on what a diagnosis like this means. Also, Laura asserted the impact it would create on those living with it, as well as the impact it can have on friends, family, and the local community.
The oldest Emmerdale cast, Chittell, expressing that he wants to do justice to the storyline. He said, “I feel really privileged to be given this storyline. Parkinson’s UK Chief Executive Caroline Rassell informed that Parkinson’s is often misunderstood by many.
While mentioning working with Emmerdale as a privilege, Rassell said, “We hope that Eric’s storyline will increase awareness and understanding of a condition and encourage discussions about the impact it has on those living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones. Parkinson’s UK is here to support anyone affected by the condition through our helpline, local groups, and website.”
Unfortunately, Parkinson’s has no cure yet, and Parkinson’s UK funds research into the best treatments for the condition. We appreciate Emmerdale’s initiative to bring up this topic. When it comes to Pollard, next week, he will lash out at Brenda in order to push her away. But will he share this with Brenda? What do you think? To find out, stay tuned to the TV Season & Spoilers for more Emmerdale updates!