Veteran Emmerdale actor Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) was recently given a diagnosis that drastically altered his life: he had Parkinson’s disease.
The adored figure first attempted to keep the information to himself, even going so far as to brutally dump companion Brenda (Lesley Dunlop) and declare he had never loved her. Out of sympathy, he couldn’t bear the thought of her remaining with him, but naturally, as soon as she found out the truth, she informed him she would be pleased to be by his side no matter what.
The chief executive of Parkinson’s UK, with whom Emmerdale is collaborating on this plot, is Caroline Rassell.
“We hope that Eric’s storyline will foster conversations about the effects of Parkinson’s on those who live with the disease and their loved ones, as well as raise awareness and understanding of a condition that approximately 153,000 people in the UK live with.”
Laura Shaw, the producer of Emmerdale, spoke about Eric’s reaction to the diagnosis.
Eric Pollard is understandably terrified and uncertain about the future when he receives a Parkinson’s diagnosis. We can tell this narrative very realistically over an extended period of time, shed light on what a diagnosis like this entails, and follow Pollard as he learns to live with it because to the special position that a programme like Emmerdale has.
Although Pollard and Brenda are still in the early stages of accepting their diagnosis, it has not been easy for them both as they worry about what lies ahead. Rebecca Sarker’s character Manpreet has tried her hardest to help the couple and has recommended a Parkinson’s support group.
However, in later episodes, Pollard attempts to handle things on his own and finds it too difficult to face attending the support group.
He is startled and worried about what could happen when he suddenly develops a tremor, a new symptom of the sickness that he has never experienced before.
Manpreet does her best to reassure him once again, and she is certain that Pollard has to be more forthcoming about his condition in order for his friends to be there for him. She advises that it would be wise to speak with Patrick Mower’s character, Rodney Blackstock.
Eric bravely begins to confide in his old buddy, but he does not anticipate the response he gets. Rodney is confused and feels more alone than ever as a result of his casual demeanour.
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