Horrifying moment Emmerdale legend has nasty fall – leaving him struggling alone at home
AN Emmerdale legend suffered a nasty fall in horrifying scenes – leaving him struggling alone at home.
It marks the latest turn in this long-running character’s health storyline.
Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) has been an Emmerdale staple since arriving back in 1986.
More recently, he has grappled with adjusting to living with Parkinson’s.
Today’s episode sees things take an unfortunate turn for the soap legend.
While carrying heavy boxes at David’s Shop, Eric is visibly strained and ends up injuring himself.
Kerry (Laura Norton) and Tracy (Amy Walsh) both notice their boss trying to hide his injury – but he brushes off their concern about his health.
In particular, Eric clashes with Kerry, whom he also lives with at Wishing Well Barn.
She tells him: “Don’t be a silly divvy and just admit that you’re slowing down.”
But a furious Eric replies: “How dare you speak to me like that! I don’t want a lift from you or anything else.
“You either speak to me with respect, or you start looking around for another home.”
Later on, Eric is taking his medication at home when he stumbles and falls to the ground.
Having been left on the floor, he desperately pleads out loud for someone to help him.
What will happen to Eric from here?
The character first discovered he had Parkinson’s after being diagnosed in 2023.
Emmerdale worked closely with the charity Parkinson’s UK, who will continue to support the production team to give Eric’s story a realistic and authentic depiction, whilst creating awareness of the condition and how it affects those afflicted.
Eric Pollard's biggest Emmerdale storylines
As Emmerdale’s current longest-serving character, Eric Pollard has seen his fair share of drama.
Introduced in 1986, the character was originally portrayed as a villain – but this has been since downplayed.
Here is a look back at some of Eric’s biggest storylines from over the years.
- Long lost son: Having had an affair with Lydia Halliwell, Eric left unaware that she was pregnant. His son David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) arrived in the village during 2006 – and ended up staying until 2023.
- Marriages: Eric has tied the knot on five occasions. His five ex-wives are Eileen Pollock, Elizabeth Feldmann, Dee la Cruz, Gloria Weaver and Val Lambert. Eric’s current partner is Brenda Walker – played by actor Chris Chittell’s real-life wife Lesley Dunlop.
- Bigamy: Upon marrying Elizabeth in October 1992, she was unaware he was still legally married to first wife Eileen. As a result, he was therefore committing bigamy.
- Parkinson’s diagnosis: In 2023, Eric left fans heartbroken after it was revealed he’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s – the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.
Chris Chittell, who plays Eric, said at the time: “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.”
Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and ITVX.