Eric Pollard's Devastating Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis Is Revealed In Emmerdale.

While Lydia (Karen Blick) investigates Craig’s (Ben Addis) murder during the dramatic Dingle Court week on Emmerdale, viewers have been informed of Eric Pollard’s (Chris Chittell) tragic diagnosis.

Flashbacks have shown us that, despite the fact that the Dingle clan members had been grilled about their whereabouts on the afternoon of Craig’s death, they are all likely innocent of murder but are concealing unrelated mysteries of their own.

In tonight’s episode, Mandy (Lisa Riley) was put under pressure as a flashback showed her fighting with the till throughout the day in the salon after she had bought off Eric.

She was struggling to open it to cash it in when Eric happened to stroll in, so she immediately ordered him to start fixing it and paying back the money she gave him.

Mandy assumed the rogue was up to his regular antics as an increasingly agitated Eric tried to get into the till before discovering he’d forgotten his wallet. Then, Eric burst into tears.

Eric was seated instantly by Mandy, who apologised and offered to make him a drink.

Though the truth was quite different, Mandy told her family that Eric had been idly hanging around in the present.

Mandy questioned if Eric was having trouble coping with her passing and the recent one-year anniversary of her passing as she tried to lighten the atmosphere with him briefly by bringing up his close friend Faith (Sally Dexter). Mandy became concerned that anything was wrong with his partner Brenda (Lesley Dunlop) when Eric quipped that Faith would call him a stupid goat for worrying too much.

Eric finally admitted that it was himself that was unwell though. During a recent check up, he’d mentioned some numbness he’d been feeling in his hands, as well as his becoming unsteady on his feet. Further tests have revealed that he has Parkinson’s disease.

“When Eric Pollard is diagnosed with Parkinson’s he’s naturally very scared and unsure of what the condition means for his future,” Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw explains. “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.”

I feel really privileged to be given this storyline,” added Chris Chittell, who as Emmerdale‘s longest serving cast member has portrayed Eric for 37 years. “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.”

Eric swore Mandy to secrecy, as he revealed that not even Brenda knows. Not wishing to burden Brenda with the knowledge that “her life will end” when she ends up having to care for him, Eric is determined to go it alone.

Eric said, “Mandy, I’m terrified,” in response to Mandy’s sobbing question about his level of fear. This is it—a gradual downturn. I’ve avoided every shot, but this one has finally caught me.

“But as my Valerie mentioned,” he went on. “This will be handled my way. We keep this a secret.

Mandy attempted to persuade Eric to at least notify his son David (Matthew Wolfenden), but Eric assured her that it would remain confidential. With a heavy heart, Mandy promised Dingle that she would fulfil his desires.

Back in The Woolpack, Mandy was questioned as to why she was suddenly getting so emotional, but she explained this away as being hurt that her family would question whether she was capable of committing murder. Excusing herself to go to the bathroom, Mandy broke down in tears as she feared for her old friend.

According to Caroline Rassell, chief executive of Parkinson’s UK, “Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, but is still misunderstood by many.” Receiving a diagnosis can be devastating because it forces a person to face a future that is not what they had planned. We hope that Eric’s narrative will raise awareness and foster conversation about a condition that around 153,000 people in the UK suffer from, as well as the effects it has on persons who have Parkinson’s and the people who love them.

Caroline continued, “It’s an honour to be supporting the Emmerdale crew in depicting Eric’s journey. “Anyone impacted by the condition can get support from Parkinson’s UK through our website, local groups, and helpline.”