01 November 2023 , 20:00
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Emmerdale icon Eric Pollard has been diagnosed with Parkinson's.
Tonight, viewers learned that Eric - played the soap's longest serving cast member Chris Chittell - has been diagnosed with the neurological condition, but has been adamant to keep it a secret from his family. He tearfully confided in Mandy about his diagnosis and his fears for the future, but told her she couldn't tell anyone about what was going on.
Emmerdale have been working alongside the charity Parkinson's UK on the lengthy storyline, which will raise awareness of the condition and how it affects people in their day to day life and the impact it can have on friends and family.
Pollard confided in Mandy tonight (ITV)Emmerdale Producer, Laura Shaw, said of the important storyline: "When Eric Pollard is diagnosed with Parkinson's he's naturally very scared and unsure of what the condition means for his future. The unique position of a show like Emmerdale means we can tell this story really authentically over a long period of time and we can really shine a light on what a diagnosis like this means and follow Pollard on his journey of learning to live with it. Working closely with Parkinson's UK, who have been guiding us through every step of the way, we hope seeing Pollard's story helps to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and show the day to day reality of those living with it, as well as the impact it can have on friends, family and the local community."
Actor Chris Chittell spoke of the "privilege" of taking on such a big storyline, and he is desperate to do it justice.
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Chris Chittell is the longest serving cast member (ITV)"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," he said.
Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, Caroline Rassell, added: "Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, but is still misunderstood by many. A diagnosis can be a blow, forcing people to confront a future different from the one they had imagined. We hope that Eric's storyline will increase awareness and understanding of a condition that around 153,000 people in the UK live with, and encourage discussions about the impact it has on those living with Parkinson's and their loved ones.
"It's a privilege to be assisting the Emmerdale team in portraying Eric’s journey, and Parkinson's UK is here to support anyone affected by the condition through our helpline, local groups and website."
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