Kerry Wyatt is left reeling in Emmerdale next month after discovering she’s at the centre of Eric Pollard’s latest secret scheme — and it may cost them their friendship.

At first, it feels like a stroke of luck. Kerry is stunned to learn that a brand-new bank account has been opened under her name with a whopping £15,000 inside. Overjoyed and ready to splurge, she starts making plans. But Jacob Gallagher quickly throws cold water on her excitement.

The level-headed trainee doctor warns Kerry that if she touches the money, she could find herself tangled in someone else’s fraudulent scheme. Alarmed, Jacob rushes to tell his grandfather Eric about the suspicious account — and that’s when the truth begins to unravel.

The Shocking Confession

Realising his plan has been discovered, Eric waits until he’s alone with Kerry to confess. Yes, he is the mysterious benefactor. But the money wasn’t meant as a gift. It was a covert operation to move funds without raising red flags — and Kerry, unknowingly, was his cover.

“Kerry is stunned and confused by Eric’s revelation,” an insider shares. “But as the conversation continues, she soon realises what’s really happened. Eric has used her name and identity to funnel tax-free money to Jacob. She’s furious.”

That fury hits Eric hard. The betrayal cuts deep, not just because Kerry is a friend, but because his plan was never meant to harm her. Still, Kerry’s reaction is fierce and emotional — and it leaves their friendship on shaky ground.

A Grandfather’s Desperation

But there’s more to this story than meets the eye. Eric, facing the steady decline of Parkinson’s disease, is acting from a place of desperation. He confesses his motive: to ensure Jacob is financially secure, especially with the looming belief that Jacob may soon become a father.

Though the audience knows that it’s Charity who is actually expecting — not Sarah Sugden — Eric remains unaware. He fears that if Sarah dies young, Jacob will be left to raise a child alone. That fear, more than anything, drives his actions.

Forgiveness — and a New Pact

Despite her initial anger, Kerry begins to understand. She sees the pain and worry behind Eric’s decision. His heart may have been in the right place, even if his method was wildly inappropriate.

“Kerry can’t help but sympathise,” the source adds. “Eric just wanted to protect his grandson before it’s too late. And although he went about it all wrong, Kerry forgives him.”

But she doesn’t let him off the hook entirely. Kerry reminds Eric that if he wants her help in the future, he needs to come to her first — no more secrets, no more backdoor schemes.

As they rebuild their friendship, Kerry’s loyalty deepens. With Eric’s health in decline and family drama looming, could she become his most important ally?

What would you do if a close friend secretly involved you in a scheme “for your own good”?