Emmerdale's Jacob Gallagher makes discovery over Eric Pollard

Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Jacob Gallagher has made a shocking discovery about grandfather Eric Pollard in Emmerdale.

Pollard was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a chronic condition that impacts both the motor and non-motor systems with a degenerative effect on the central nervous system.

Rather than confide in his family and loved ones about his diagnosis, Eric swore Mandy Dingle to secrecy once she found out and insisted he wanted to face his future all alone.

In Tuesday's (November 7) episode, Eric went so far as to break up with his girlfriend Brenda Walker because he was trying to protect her from what was to come.

emmerdale eric pollard learns diagnosis
ITV

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Eric was supported by Mandy during his consultation, though they agreed not to talk about the situation with Brenda.

In the meeting with his doctor, Eric put on a brave face when told tests confirmed he does have Parkinson's disease. The doctor explained to Eric that, because the disease was diagnosed early, they will have more treatment options to help make his symptoms more manageable.

"Some [symptoms] might be more challenging than others, some you might not get at all," the doctor said.

Following his consultation, Mandy once again encouraged Eric to share what he was going through with Brenda, yet he flatly refused.

a person talking on a cell phone
ITV

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"I don't want to be a burden to anyone, especially Brenda who I love dearly," Eric insisted.

At home, he broke Brenda's heart by insisting "there's never been anything right" between them because she couldn't compare to his former partners Val and Faith.

In the village, David shared with Victoria and Jacob that he knew something was going on with Eric, though he couldn't quite figure out what it was.

"I reckon there's more to it," David suggested.

When Jacob soon turned up at the clinic for his next shift, he learned his grandfather has Parkinson's disease when he found some paperwork about Eric's recent hospital visit.

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage


For more information and support about this topic, you can visit the Parkinson's UK website or contact the Helpline at 0808 800 0303.

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