ITV Emmerdale ‘unveils’ new owner of Eric Pollard’s shop and they’re already in the village
Emmerdale's Eric Pollard could be handing over the shop keys to another villager, according to soap fans
Emmerdale fans are convinced they’ve “uncovered” the new owner of Eric Pollard’s shop, and it isn’t David Metcalfe.
The local shop has been a mainstay on the ITV soap since 2009. Over the years, it has seen various owners, including David (Matthew Wolfenden), who notably departed the village in 2023.
David’s father, Eric (Chris Chittell), currently owns and manages the shop, with Tracy Robinson (Amy Walsh) regularly manning the till.
However, recent health issues have led viewers to speculate about how long Eric will continue to run the shop.
Eric was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2023, and his health has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks, reports Leicestershire Live.
Eric Pollard’s health has declined in recent weeks
After suffering a severe fall at home last week, he was hospitalised, with Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) attempting to arrange a carer for him upon his return.
Following an unsuccessful trial with a carer whom Eric found unsuitable, the ITV stalwart reluctantly agreed to let Kerry look after him, provided she accepted payment.
That’s not all, as Eric recently learned that his ex, Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop), won’t be returning to the village following her departure in April.
Brenda sent Eric a card for his 80th birthday on Wednesday (June 11), revealing her plans to continue “rediscovering herself” on the global cruise she won.
“I don’t know why it is, but I always find a way to get rid of the ones that I really care for. I’m afraid, I’m a little bit too old for any change,” Eric confessed.
Kerry Wyatt has been caring for Eric
During Thursday’s (June 12) hour-long episode, now available to stream on ITVX, Kerry and Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) surprised Eric with a party at the shop.
In the midst of the celebrations, Kerry overheard Eric telling his friend, Rodney Blackstock (Patrick Mower), that he planned to sell the Wishing Well Barn and downsize.
Later, Eric had a change of heart and told Kerry that he planned to rent out the Barn just in case Brenda returned to the village.
“I’ve been thinking and I’m not going to sell. Despite what I said, there is the remotest possibility that Brenda might return. So, I’m going to rent it out and move next door,” he said.
Eric then asked Kerry to move with him and Jacob, an offer that she delightfully accepted.
Emmerdale fans believe Kammy Hadiq could take over the shop
Despite Eric’s reluctance to sell the shop, several Emmerdale fans are convinced they’ve worked out who could take over in upcoming scenes, with many suggesting newcomer Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah).
“Maybe Kammy’s family will buy the shop, it’s unusual to have a character in the soap and no house or family,” one person wrote on a Facebook fan page.
Another added: “I’d love to see more of Kammy, what if he buys the shop from Eric?” while a third said: “Yes to the Kammy redemption storyline.”
Meanwhile, another viewer shared: “Bet he lets Kerry have the shop,” with someone else suggesting: “I hope Eric doesn’t sell the shop to Dawn and Joe.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX