ITV Emmerdale legends tipped return after almost two decades as Eric Pollard's carer
Emmerdale fans believe they have rumbled who will step in as Eric Pollard's new carer following a decline in his health. It has been speculated to be someone he's quite familiar with, as he grapples with his health issues.
Eric, portrayed by actor Chris Chittell, has been a main character on the popular ITV soap since 1986. As the longest-serving actor on the programme, Eric has found himself at the centre of numerous major plotlines over the years.
From his multiple marriages to his heart-wrenching struggle with Parkinson's disease, his tenure in the renowned Dales has certainly been something to talk about.
This was particularly evident earlier this year when his relationship with local resident Brenda Walker (played by Lesley Dunlop) came to an abrupt end, reports Leicestershire Live.
Brenda called it quits after Eric wasted away her life savings on a botched cryptocurrency venture, ending their engagement and leaving after 17 years together.
Meanwhile, this week on the soap saw Eric's health deteriorate further when he suffered a severe fall while attempting to lift heavy boxes alone at the shop. He was subsequently hospitalised and has since been discharged after the incident.
However, given Eric's inability to carry out basic tasks such as showering and dressing himself, his loved ones expressed concern and suggested that he should seek assistance.
Initially, Eric was resistant to the idea but eventually gave in. In Thursday's episode on June 5 his paid carer Sophie made her appearance, although Eric was far from welcoming.
Later, Eric decided he had enough of Sophie caring for him and demanded she leave, asserting that things were not going to work out.
Speculation continues to mount amongst viewers that a former soap stalwart could soon return to Emmerdale to provide much-needed care for Eric, and it's believed to be a face he recognises very well.
On an Emmerdale fan group on Facebook, one user remarked: "Hopefully a carer will be found who shows Eric respect, and can look after him in a way that he finds acceptable."
Other viewers promptly put forth the idea that Eric's son, David Metcalfe (portrayed by Matthew Wolfenden), might make his way back to tend to his dad following his health decline.
An additional comment read: "David needs to come back and look after him!". Adding to the chorus, a third individual noted: "He definitely needs to return with how Eric is at the moment."
Another admirer posited: "I said the same! He should be his carer." Having been introduced to audiences back in 2006, David became a fixture on the famed serial drama.
However, in 2023, news broke that actor Matthew Wolfenden had parted ways with the show after a notable 17-year tenure.
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