What’s wrong with Eric Pollard in Emmerdale? His Parkinson’s battle and health decline as fans fear he’s going to die
Pollard is unwell, but is he going to be okay?
Eric Pollard is clearly struggling with his health on-screen in Emmerdale right now. But as he appears to be in decline, what exactly is wrong with him? Is this a sign his Parkinson’s is worsening? Or is there something else afoot?
What’s wrong with Eric Pollard in Emmerdale?
Emmerdale’s longest-serving character, Eric Pollard is currently going through the mill with his health. Struggling with the stress Caleb’s new depot empire is bringing to his daily life with reems of lorries running back and forth along the road by his house, Pollard lost it on Monday.
When Caleb was dismissive over Eric’s complaints and refused to take him seriously, Pollard took action. He jumped into one of the lorries. But he suffered hand tremors and crashed the vehicle into some crates. Pollard was clearly worried about the state of himself as he couldn’t stop shaking.
Last night (Tuesday November 12) Pollard desperately tried to get a doctor’s appointment to get to the bottom of what was wrong. However he couldn’t get through on the phone and caused a scene in the surgery demanding Ella’s help. He was escorted out by Wendy and Bear.
Things come to head tonight when Pollard can’t get out of bed and is then found wandering the road alone in his slippers by Caleb. Caleb takes him to Liam’s house, but will the good doc come up with a diagnosis? What is wrong with Pollard?
Eric diagnosed with Parkinson’s in Emmerdale
Exactly a year ago, in November 2023, Pollard revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Eric first confided in Mandy about his illness, but begged her to keep it a secret. He refused to tell partner Brenda, son David or grandson Jacob.
He confessed that he’d been experiencing numbness and tingling as well as being less steady on his feet.
Emmerdale worked closely with the charity Parkinson’s UK to portray the story as accurately as possible. The soap assured viewers the story would play out on screen over a long period of time.
At the time Emmerdale Producer Laura Shaw said: “When Eric Pollard is diagnosed with Parkinson’s he’s naturally very scared and unsure of what the condition means for his future. The unique position of a show like Emmerdale means we can tell this story really authentically over a long period of time and we can really shine a light on what a diagnosis like this means and follow Pollard on his journey of learning to live with it.
“Working closely with Parkinson’s UK, who have been guiding us through every step of the way, we hope seeing Pollard’s story helps to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and show the day to day reality of those living with it, as well as the impact it can have on friends, family and the local community.”
Eric Pollard actor, Chris Chittell said: “I feel really privileged to be given this storyline. Parkinson’s is indiscriminate, deceptive and wickedly unkind targeting so many. I want to do this storyline justice for the most courageous of people who are having to bear the brunt of this condition.”
Is Eric Pollard going to die in Emmerdale?
This week’s scenes have concerned fans who have speculated Pollard might die. It comes after a freshly dug grave was spotted on set by a fan on the Emmerdale tour. The grave is positioned next to his beloved wife Val – could this mean something? With Pollard clearly unwell, viewers have started to wonder.
Why is the grave next to Val Omg Not Eric #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/4TETfEdtYi
— Soaps and Tv Frantic (@LoveSoapsntv) November 11, 2024
One fan commented on X: “Emmerdale are so setting up Eric’s death this is so sad.” Another added: “Don’t like Eric getting bad when it’s nearly Christmas. Don’t want a Christmas death.”
In fact, tonight we will discover Pollard does not have access to his usual medication due to a shortage. That and the stress caused by his altercation with Caleb are what is escalating his symptoms. But can Liam help Pollard get back on top of this?
It’s not long before defiant Eric is back working in the shop, much to Caleb’s surprise. He’s not giving up yet!
And with a Christmas wedding on the horizon for him and Brenda there’s still life in Pollard yet. However, Brenda is also said to be leaving after 16 years, so chances are there’s also more drama ahead too.
Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
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