Emmerdale icon exit ‘sealed’ after 39 years as fans predict heartbreaking d.e.a.t.h
One long-running Emmerdale character has sparked concern with their declining health, leadings fans to speculate a tragic departure could be imminent.
Eric Pollard’s health has continued to decline (Image: ITV)
Emmerdale fans are questioning how much longer Eric Pollard will remain on the soap as his health continues to deteriorate. Eric (played by Chris Chittell) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2023, but has been determined to carry on with his life as normal. Believing he can cope alone, Eric has continued working in his shop and often refuses assistance. During Monday’s (June 2) instalment of Emmerdale, Tracy Robinson (Amy Walsh) offered to help him shift some boxes at his store, but he declined her help.
Shortly after, he dropped a box on is foot, causing him to nearly lose balance. At the end of the episode, Eric plummeted to the floor after going dizzy, sparking concern that he may not be found in time. With Eric’s health dramatically declining, worried viewers have come to the realisation that the character could be k.i.l.l.e.d off.
Eric was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2023 (Image: ITV)
One wrote on Reddit: “Realistically, how long can this story go on for when we know he isn’t going to get better. They haven’t announced it, but I think we’re actually seeing a long term exit storyline, like they did with Ashley.
“His wife has already left, and after so long in the role it would be understandable if he wanted to enjoy some sort of retirement. My theory is that he will stick around until the characters 40th anniversary next year, and then he will go.”
Another fan is holding out hope that Eric will receive a “semi happy” ending, responding: “That’d make sense, actually. We’ve a lot of big storylines and departures this year already, both already and upcoming, plus his departure being on his anniversary would make a nice send off and good timing.
“I just hope it’s a semi-happy departure, not just them k.i.l.l.i.n.g him off tragically. Like, maybe he reconciles with David and moves in with him?”
Eric suffered a nasty fall during the latest episode (Image: ITV)
A third replied: “I like your ideas but I do think that he will d.i.e unfortunately, with doing such an important storyline with the Parkinsons disease its inevitable that they will take it all the way and k.i.l.l Eric off.”
Others believe Eric could be placed in a car home, with one saying: “I’d be happy if he were moved into a care home as an exit rather than being k.i.l.l.e.d off.”
Another theorised: “He has Parkinson’s which deteriorates. I think they’ll do a storyline of the progression that will result in him either dying or moving into a care home.”
Back in 2023, Chris, 77, opened up about the importance of playing a character with Parkinson’s.
The actor 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.”