Eric heads to the hospital (Picture: ITV)

Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) is left in a difficult position in upcoming Emmerdale episodes as Brenda (Lesley Dunlop) experiences relationship problems with Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell), unaware of what’s really going on.

This week, we saw the moment Eric told Mandy he has Parkinson’s disease. The beloved character broke down in tears as he told Mandy about the symptoms he has been experiencing, and how terrified he is over the future.

Eric then asked Mandy to keep his health battle a secret. He said that he didn’t want any of his loved ones knowing, and thinks facing the illness on his own is the best option.

In future episodes of the show, Eric continues to treat Brenda badly as she wonders what his letter from the hospital is about.

Eric wants to face the battle alone (Picture: ITV)

Despite Mandy’s suggestion that he should open up to Brenda, Pollard is still determined to push his wife away.

Setting off for his appointment all alone, Eric is touched when Mandy arrives in the waiting room before the appointment, which will confirm his diagnosis.

Mandy hides the truth (Picture: ITV)

During the consultaiton, Eric is given the news he’s been dreading and desperately tries to cover his emotions.

Back in the village, Eric refuses to change his mind about telling Brenda and pushes forward with the plan to cut her out of his life.

That evening, he breaks Brenda’s heart by saying they can no longer be together.

With Brenda curious as to what’s happened, will advice from Nicola (Nicola Wheeler) make this situation better, or worse?

Emmerdale 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.

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‘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.’

You can find more information and support on the website of Parkinson’s UK.

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Poor Brenda has no idea.