Emmerdale exit 'sealed' for icon after 38 years as fans point out 'hint'

Emmerdale fans are worried about the future of iconic villager Eric Pollard (played by Chris Chittel), whose health appears to be declining. As viewers of the ITV soap will know, Pollard

suffers from Parkinson's but is determined to lead a normal life, including working at his shop. With Pollard's 80th birthday on the horizon, age is but a number as he continues to

place his pride in front of accepting support from those around him. He still wants to believe he can cope alone, which is far from the truth. His illness is advancing, and he’s beginning

to struggle with day-to-day life On Monday's episode (2nd June), available now on ITVX, Tracy Robinson (Amy Walsh) offers to assist Pollard with shifting a few boxes while they are

working at his convenience store, but he refuses any help. Moments later, he drops a box on his foot and nearly loses his balance. Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) steps in to offer him a helping

hand; however, later in the episode, Eric suffers a nasty fall at home. With no one around to come to his aid, Pollard is left to languish, with fears he won’t be found before it’s too late.

Emmerdale viewers have taken to social media to share their worries over Pollard's health, 38 years after the character first arrived in the Dales. One person wrote on Reddit:

"Realistically, how long can this story go on for when we know he isn’t going to get better. They haven’t announced it, but I think we’re actually seeing a long-term exit storyline,

like they did with Ashley." They continued: "His wife has already left, and after so long in the role, it would be understandable if he wanted to enjoy some sort of retirement. My

theory is that he will stick around until the character's 40th anniversary next year, and then he will go." A second pleaded: "I’d be happy if he were moved into a care home

as an exit rather than being killed off." A third chimed in: "It will be his 80th next week, what if he suddenly passes (e.g in his sleep or through a fall)? That would be a HUGE

shock, like what happened to Rishi." Another added: "I just hope it's a semi-happy departure, not just them killing him off tragically. Like, maybe he reconciles with David

and moves in with him? "Or maybe he goes with Brenda to Canada? I'm half-sure I saw she was leaving? Just no more death XD." EMMERDALE AIRS WEEKDAYS AT 7:30PM ON ITV AND ITVX