Emmerdale fans fear for ITV legend after mysterious on-screen disappearance

Emmerdale fans have shared their concern for a beloved Dales character

Emmerdale fans have been left fearing for an ITV legend after their mysterious on-screen disappearance.

Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) has been a cornerstone of the beloved ITV soap opera since 1986, and has encountered numerous difficulties in recent months.

Towards the end of last year, his romance with Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) reached its conclusion, following Eric’s decision to squander her life savings on an unsuccessful cryptocurrency investment. Brenda subsequently departed the village to embark on a global cruise alongside Cathy Hope (Gabrielle Dowling).

In June, Eric’s wellbeing deteriorated when he suffered a serious fall at his residence. He required hospitalisation, with Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) attempting to arrange care assistance for his return home.

Following an unsuccessful attempt with a carer whom Eric considered unsuitable, the ITV veteran grudgingly consented to Kerry providing his care in exchange for payment, reports the Daily Star.

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Adding to his woes, Eric shortly received devastating news from Brenda on his 80th birthday.

“Well, it would have been [nice] if a Dear John letter hadn’t been attached as well. She’s not coming back,” Eric revealed.

“She’s rediscovered herself, new lease of life and unfortunately, I’m not included in it. And who can blame her after the way that I’ve treated her so badly. Thank you, Brenda, for letting me know on my birthday.”

Eric subsequently expressed his wish for Brenda to discover contentment because “she deserves it”.

Now, several Emmerdale enthusiasts have expressed concern about the soap’s longest-serving star after his absence from screen in recent months. Numerous viewers have subsequently turned to social media platforms to voice their apprehensions.

“Can someone refresh me on what’s happened to Eric Pollard?” one person wrote on a Facebook fan page.

Another added: “Ikr I’ve been wondering where he’s been lately, hopefully his Parkinson’s hasn’t got worse,” while a third said: “Omg I hope he’s not leaving!”

A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: “Yeah no one has seen him for ages. He better not leave like Brenda did,” with another similarly sharing: “I’m concerned we’ll next see him in a hospital bed.”

Eric isn’t the only long-standing character currently “missing” from the ITV drama, as supporters have lately observed that Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) hasn’t featured on screen recently.

Cain was most recently seen on October 22 when he assisted Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) in motivating villagers to undergo prostate examinations following the doctor’s recent cancer health scare.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX