Emmerdale’s Eric Pollard revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease during Wednesday night’s episode.
In heartbreaking scenes Eric, played by Chris Chittell, 75, learns of his diagnosis and turns to Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) to confide in – who is sworn to secrecy.
Parkinson’s, the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die and has no cure.
During the episode, Eric tearfully confided in Mandy about what he had been going through recently, and how terrified he was feeling as he looked to his future.
Chris is set to tell Eric’s harrowing storyline, which will see him battle the disease alone, as he wishes to keep it to himself.
Heartbreaking: Emmerdale ‘s Eric Pollard, played by Chris Chittell, 75, revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease during Wednesday night’s episode
Emotional: In heartbreaking scenes Eric learns of his diagnosis and turns to Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) to confide in – who is sworn to secrecy.
The Dale’s longest serving cast member, Chris has worked closely with Emmerdale and the charity Parkinson’s UK.
The charity is set to continue supporting the production team to give Eric’s story a realistic and authentic depiction whilst creating awareness of the condition and how it affects those afflicted.
Speaking of the heartbreaking but very realistic storyline, Chris 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.’
Emmerdale’s Producer Laura Shaw, said: ‘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.’
Disease: Parkinson’s, the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die and has no cure
Difficult: During the episode, Eric tearfully confided in Mandy about what he had been going through recently, and how terrified he was feeling as he looked to his future
Incredible run: Chris made his first appearance in the soap on 30 September 1986 and has taken on many incredible storylines over the years (pictured in 1998)
Chris made his first appearance in the soap on 30 September 1986 and has taken on many incredible storylines over the years.
Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, Caroline Rassell said: ‘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.’