Emmerdale ‘confirms’ legend’s return 40 years after first episode and Eric Pollard will be floored

Emmerdale fans believe they’ve “uncovered” a soap legend’s comeback 40 years after their first appearance, leaving Eric Pollard floored.

Eric (Chris Chittell) has been a constant presence in the ITV soap since 1986, and has encountered numerous hurdles in recent months.

His relationship with Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) ended in December when Eric squandered her life savings on a failed cryptocurrency venture.

Brenda subsequently departed the village for a global cruise with Cathy Hope (Gabrielle Dowling).

Eric’s health deteriorated last week following a nasty fall at home. He was hospitalised, with Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) attempting to arrange a carer for his return home, reports Belfast Live.

Eric Pollard has recently struggled with his health

After a failed trial with a carer that Eric deemed unsuitable, the ITV veteran reluctantly agreed to let Kerry look after him in exchange for payment.

Now, Emmerdale fans are convinced that soap icon Kathy Glover (Malandra Burrows) could make a much-anticipated return to the village as Eric grapples with health issues.

Kathy was a fixture in Emmerdale throughout the late 80s and 90s, featuring in several high-profile storylines during her tenure on the show.

Notably, the character was hit by Steve Marchant’s (Paul Opacic) car, as well as being left hanging in a vehicle on the edge of a cliff, and was involved in the bus crash that claimed the life of Butch Dingle (Paul Loughran).

Soap enthusiasts will recall Kathy’s business venture with Eric, as they teamed up to open a wine bar in Kathy’s Diner.

Kathy Glover was a mainstay in Emmerdale throughout the late 80s and 90s

Eric eventually schemed to edge Kathy out of the business, aiming to take over the entire establishment for himself.

In the end, Kathy departed for Australia in 2001 along with her niece, Alice Bates (Rachel Tolboys), and it was later disclosed that Kathy had remarried and welcomed a baby girl.

Fans on social media have been contemplating Kathy’s potential comeback to the soap, with one person writing on Facebook: “Where is Kathy? She should come back.”

Another added: “Omg yes Kathy should return and help Eric,” while a third said: “I wouldn’t mind her coming back and having a storyline with Eric and Kim. Would feel like proper old times.”

Meanwhile, a fourth fan wrote: “She was a great character back in the day, but not sure she would easily fit into the village as it is now.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX