It’s been a year since beloved Emmerdale character Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
At the outset of the story producer Laura Shaw stated that, ‘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.’
As such, Eric’s diagnosis was at the forefront of storylines as he came to terms with having the condition and allowed Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) to support him as he faced it after initially trying to push her away.
To portray Eric’s situation realistically, the fact that he has Parkinson’s has become just one facet of who he is as he plays out other storylines.
In upcoming episodes, however, it seems that the condition is taking its toll on him and it puts him in serious danger.
He becomes angry at the increased traffic around Caleb Miligan’s (William Ash) warehouse, which is disturbing his peace and quiet. Never one to hold back, he confronts Caleb about the problem, but Caleb is dismissive of his complaints.
Eric is fuming at Caleb’s lack of concern, and he decides to take matters into his own hands and gets into the driving seat of one of Caleb’s lorries. Unfortunately he hasn’t taken his medication.
Added to this, the stress of the situation causes his hand to tremor violently and he crashes the lorry into a stack of crates.
This is a massive shock and it leaves him shaking and upset. When Caleb comes to the shop to warn him about interfering in his business, Eric struggles to maintain his dignity.
But the next day Caleb spots Eric in the village and realises he’s not feeling well. Caleb offers him a lift and stubborn Eric’s first instinct is to refuse, but he realises that he needs help and has to swallow his pride and accept Caleb’s offer.
Caleb takes Eric to Liam Cavanagh’s (Jonny McPherson) house and the GP checks him over, reassuring him that the symptoms he got were because he didn’t have access to his usual medication.
Eric makes Liam promise not to say anything to his family about the incident.
When Caleb sees him back at work in the shop he’s surprised, given how unwell Eric was earlier. But he has respect for Eric when he tells him he’s not going to be beaten by his illness.
