Eric Pollard has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's on the latest episode of ITV soap Emmerdale.
Played by the village-based soap’s longest serving cast member, Chris Chittell, Eric tells Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) not to tell anyone else of his neurological condition in emotional scenes on Wednesday.
As Eric confided in Mandy, he is tearful and speaks of being terrified of the future while living with Parkinson’s and being determined to deal with it alone.
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."
The soap has worked with Parkinson’s UK on the storyline and the charity will continue to support the production team.
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."
Source: Press Association
