28 November 2023 , 08:28
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Emmerdale viewers will be left teary next week when one couple struggle in the village.
Soap watchers will recall that Eric Pollard has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's and he has been pushing his loved ones away, especially his partner Brenda Walker, as he struggles with his diagnosis. In upcoming episodes, Manpreet Sharma does her best to support Brenda and Eric as they struggle to come to terms with his life-changing diagnosis.
Earlier this month, viewers learnt that Eric – played the soap's longest serving cast member Chris Chittell – had been diagnosed with the neurological condition, but had been adamant to keep it a secret from his family. He tearfully confided in Mandy Dingle about his diagnosis and his fears for the future, but told her she couldn't tell anyone about what was going on.
Soap watchers will recall that Eric Pollard has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson'sEmmerdale 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.
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.
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"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, 75, also spoke of the "privilege" of taking on such a big storyline, and he is desperate to do it justice. "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.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , and .