ITV Emmerdale icon ‘to return’ 19 years after debut to support Eric
Emmerdale's Eric Pollard has been struggling with his health in recent weeks, and he finally agreed to get some help in during Thursday's episode
ITV Emmerdale icon ‘to return’ 19 years after debut to support Eric(Image: ITV)
Emmerdale devotees reckon they’ve sussed out who’ll step in as Eric Pollard’s new carer, providing support during his health woes – and it’s a familiar face.
Eric (played by Chris Chittell) has been a fixture on the popular ITV soap since 1986. As the longest-standing character, Eric has found himself at the heart of numerous major plot lines over the years.
From his multiple marriages to his poignant struggle with Parkinson’s disease, his stint in the renowned Dales has been anything but dull.
This has been particularly true recently, as earlier this year, his relationship with local Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) hit the rocks.
Eric Pollard finally accepted he needed some extra help
Brenda called time on their romance after he squandered her life savings on a doomed crypto venture. She broke off their engagement and departed after 17 years, reports Leicestershire Live.
This week, Eric’s health took a turn for the worse when he suffered a nasty tumble while attempting to shift heavy boxes alone at the shop. He ended up in hospital and has since been discharged.
However, given that Eric is struggling with basic tasks like showering and dressing himself, his loved ones expressed concern and suggested he should get some assistance.
Initially, Eric was resistant but eventually conceded. In Thursday’s episode (June 5), his paid carer Sophie turned up, and Eric was far from friendly or welcoming.
Later, Eric had had enough of Sophie caring for him and insisted she leave, declaring things were not going to pan out.
But now, soap fans are buzzing with whispers that a former telly icon may swing back to take care of Eric – and it’s a face he’ll recognise all too well.
On an Emmerdale Facebook fan group, one viewer posted: “Hopefully a carer will be found who shows Eric respect, and can look after him in a way that he finds acceptable.”
Others quickly pitched the idea that Eric’s lad David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) could come back to lend a hand. One remarked: “David needs to come back and look after him!”.
Another added their voice: “He definitely needs to return with how Eric is at the moment.”
The speculation reached fever pitch when another devotee exclaimed: “I said the same! He should be his carer.”
David first appeared on the iconic soap in 2006. However, as of 2023, it was revealed that Matthew Wolfenden had hung up his boots after a solid 17-year stint.
