ITV Emmerdale icon ‘to return’ 40 years after debut and it’s bad news for Eric Pollard

Emmerdale fans believe they’ve “uncovered” a soap icon’s comeback 40 years after their first appearance, leaving Eric Pollard floored.

Eric (Chris Chittell) has been a constant presence on the ITV soap since 1986, and has encountered numerous hurdles in recent times.

At the end of last year, his romance with Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) came to an end, following Eric’s decision to gamble her life savings on a failed cryptocurrency venture.

Subsequently, Brenda departed the village for a global cruise alongside Cathy Hope (Gabrielle Dowling).

Last week, Eric’s health took a turn for the worse when he suffered a nasty fall at home. He was rushed to hospital, with Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) attempting to arrange a carer for him upon his return home, reports Belfast Live.

After a failed trial with a carer that Eric deemed unsuitable, the ITV veteran grudgingly agreed to let Kerry look after him, provided he compensated her.

Now, Emmerdale fans are convinced that soap legend Kathy Glover (Malandra Burrows) might make a much-anticipated return to the village as Eric grapples with health issues.

Kathy was a fixture in Emmerdale throughout the late 80s and 90s. She was embroiled in several high-profile storylines during her tenure on the show.

Notably, she was run over by Steve Marchant (Paul Opacic), as well as finding herself suspended in a car on the edge of a cliff, and was involved in the bus crash that claimed the life of Butch Dingle (Paul Loughran).

Soap fans will recall Kathy’s business venture with Eric, as they jointly launched a wine bar within Kathy’s Diner.

However, Eric’s true intentions soon came to light as he schemed to push Kathy out and claim the entire premises for himself.

Kathy ultimately relocated to Australia in 2001, accompanied by her niece Alice Bates (Rachel Tolboys). A year later, it was revealed that Kathy had tied the knot and welcomed a healthy baby girl.

Regarding Kathy’s potential return to the village, one person posted on a Facebook fan page: “Where is Kathy? She should come back.”

Another chimed in: “Omg yes Kathy should return and help Eric,” while a third fan noted: “I wouldn’t mind her coming back and having a storyline with Eric and Kim. Would feel like proper old times.”

Meanwhile, a fourth viewer expressed: “She was a fantastic character in her heyday, but I’m unsure she’d seamlessly fit into the village as it stands today.”