Viewers fear the worst as soap legend Eric Pollard remains missing and vulnerable.

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A Silent Exit?

Speculation is growing in the Emmerdale fandom as long-time character Eric Pollard remains absent from screens. With no on-screen updates in recent weeks, viewers have taken to social media to express growing concern for the beloved character’s fate — and whether his days in the village are quietly coming to an end.

Chris Chittell, who has portrayed Pollard since 1986, has weathered decades of dramatic storylines. But his recent disappearance has sparked a new wave of fear: is the end near for one of Emmerdale‘s most iconic residents?

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A Breakup, a Fall — and a Heartbreaking Birthday Letter

Earlier this year, Eric’s world began to unravel. After losing Brenda Walker’s life savings in a failed cryptocurrency scheme, the couple broke up. Brenda chose to leave the village for a cruise with Cathy Hope, seemingly writing off her relationship with Eric entirely.

Not long after, Eric suffered a devastating fall at home. Rushed to the hospital and discharged under strict orders, he was forced to accept help. When his first caretaker proved unfit, Eric hired Kerry Wyatt — not out of friendship, but out of desperation.

Then came the final blow: a birthday letter from Brenda, delivered on his 80th birthday. In it, she declared she had rediscovered herself and no longer saw Eric as part of her life. Eric admitted he had mistreated her and thanked her for the honesty — but the emotional impact was severe.

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A Lingering Absence — and a Growing Sense of Dread

Since that episode, Eric has been notably missing. Fans on Emmerdale forums and Facebook fan groups have begun asking: where is he? One viewer posted,

“Haven’t seen Eric in ages. Is he okay? I hope his Parkinson’s isn’t worsening.”

Another added,

“I really hope he’s not leaving. Not like this. Brenda’s exit was sad enough — not Pollard too.”

The concern is real. Eric’s health, both onscreen and in real life, has been at the center of many past episodes. The show previously explored his Parkinson’s diagnosis, a storyline that hit home for many and earned praise for its emotional realism. Now, with no resolution in sight, the silence is becoming deafening.

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Is a Hospital Bed or Farewell Scene Next?

As fans anxiously await answers, some are beginning to brace themselves for bad news. Could Emmerdale be preparing a quiet exit for one of its oldest characters? Will Eric’s absence lead to a shock hospital scene — or a farewell entirely off-screen?

Only time will tell what the writers have in store. But with so much history behind him, many believe Eric Pollard deserves a proper sendoff — not a fade to black.

Is this the end for Eric Pollard, or will he return to the Dales one last time?