Eric Pollard loses everything as his health takes a nosedive and dodgy secret is exposed in Emmerdale
ERIC Pollard is set to have his world turned upside down in upcoming Emmerdale scenes – as his health takes a nosedive.
Played by Chris Chittell, Eric is currently the ITV soap’s longest-serving character, having debuted in 1986.
Viewers have recently seen the longtime villager be diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
In scenes yet to air, Eric faces fresh drama as his health takes a turn and a secret comes to light.
He left is confused that the uplift in cryptocurrency is not showing on his account.
Meanwhile, Brenda (Lesley Dunlop) is pleased to have found a wedding dress – following Eric’s recent proposal.
She is left concerned, however, when there is seemingly no money in her bank account to pay for it.
Lying to Brenda, Eric claims the missing money is due to a technology glitch.
In the meantime, Liam (Jonny McPherson) is concerned to see Eric preparing to be reckless with the shop’s cash.
Although Eric is fixated with placing a bet on a horse, he is prevented when the doctor’s attempts to dissuade him end in confrontation.
This ultimately leads to Liam blocking Eric’s exit.
Now seriously worried that they’re penniless, Eric faces an angry and devastated Brenda.
His attempts to make things right fall flat upon Brenda asking if the marriage proposal had been genuine.
After realising it may have been influenced by his medication, Brenda is left distraught.
Eric is left heartbroken by the turmoil he has created.
It comes as Lesley Dunlop, who plays Brenda, is set to bow out of Emmerdale after 16 years in the role.
A source told The Mirror: “There have been so many exits recently and the talk is of more.
Eric Pollard's biggest Emmerdale storylines
As Emmerdale’s current longest-serving character, Eric Pollard has seen his fair share of drama.
Introduced in 1986, the character was originally portrayed as a villain – but this has been since downplayed.
Here is a look back at some of Eric’s biggest storylines from over the years.
- Long lost son: Having had an affair with Lydia Halliwell, Eric left unaware that she was pregnant. His son David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) arrived in the village during 2006 – and ended up staying until 2023.
- Marriages: Eric has tied the knot on five occasions. His five ex-wives are Eileen Pollock, Elizabeth Feldmann, Dee la Cruz, Gloria Weaver and Val Lambert. Eric’s current partner is Brenda Walker – played by actor Chris Chittell’s real-life wife Lesley Dunlop.
- Bigamy: Upon marrying Elizabeth in October 1992, she was unaware he was still legally married to first wife Eileen. As a result, he was therefore committing bigamy.
- Parkinson’s diagnosis: In 2023, Eric left fans heartbroken after it was revealed he’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.
“With people like Lesley and Roxy potentially in the mix, nobody feels safe.
“The show has grown a lot bigger in recent years but soaps are expensive to make. It’s inevitable saving money means losing people – but it’s a huge shame all the same for those involved, their friends and colleagues.”
Lesley and Chris Chittell, who plays Eric, have been married in real life since 2016.
Emmerdale continues on ITV1 and ITVX.