Eric Pollard struggles to cope as his Parkinsons’ symptoms begin to show in Emmerdale

ERIC Pollard revealed to Mandy Dingle that he was terrified as he’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

And while he’s adamant on keeping it a secret, the Emmerdale favourite is due for a severe struggle as his symptoms begin to show.

ITV

Eric Pollard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease[/caption]

ITV

He struggles next week as he experiences his first symptoms[/caption]

ITV

And he tells his pal Rodney about his diagnosis[/caption]

Soap legend Chris Chittell was thrown into a brand new, hard-hitting storyline in recent scenes aired on ITV as his character was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

In a tear-jerking moment that left fans with their jaws dropped, Eric Pollard admitted to Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) that he was terrified about what was ahead for him due to the illness being set to take over.

Although he was afraid, Eric was also adamant on keeping his condition a secret from his loved ones.

Yet after keeping his partner Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) in the dark and pushing her away, he eventually had no other choice but to tell her everything.

He later decided to also open up to his grandson Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) and, in a more recent instalment of the Yorkshire-based program, he finally came clean to his son David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden).

Next week, Pollard is unable to face the Parkinson’s Support Group meeting – will he be able to overcome his reluctance to seek help?

While this remains to be seen, he is later taken by surprise when he experiences an unexpected tremor.

Village GP Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) is prompted to encourage Pollard to open up to his friend Rodney Blackstock (Patrick Mower) about his diagnosis.

But when he does so, Pollard is perplexed by Rodney’s off-hand reaction to his shattering and life-changing news.

Could this push Pollard to ask for more support after insisting on navigating through life with the neurological condition alone?

Speaking about the storyline, Emmerdale star Chris Chittell said: “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.”

But how will Pollard manage to cope with the illness?

Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7.30pm on ITV.

ITV

Pollard finally revealed his diagnosis to his loved ones[/caption]

ITV

But will he accept the help handed to him?[/caption]