Emmerdale's Eric rejects Brenda after his diagnosis
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale's Eric Pollard decides to push his partner Brenda Walker away next week after receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Eric believes that he's protecting Brenda as he makes out that he's no longer interested in a future with her.
Earlier this week, Eric confided in Mandy Dingle about how the doctors believe he may have Parkinson's.
Eric swore Mandy to secrecy over the situation, explaining that he didn't want Brenda to know.
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Next week, Eric loses his temper with Brenda as he struggles with the stress of his health concerns – as well as the pressure to keep them secret.
Eric tells Mandy that he doesn't want to be a burden on Brenda in the future. Mandy dismisses this, encouraging him to open up to Brenda.
Much to Brenda's confusion, Eric steps up his hostile behaviour. Eric's son David Metcalfe also struggles to understand the reason for his strange moods.
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Later, Mandy joins Eric as he heads off for an important hospital appointment.
Eric's diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is officially confirmed and Mandy tries her best to support him.
Despite repeated appeals from Mandy that he needs to confide in Brenda, defiant Eric decides to keep pushing her away instead.
Eric callously ends his relationship with Brenda, leaving her utterly confused over what has happened.
Later, some advice from Nicola King makes matters even worse for the pair.
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Emmerdale bosses are receiving advice and guidance from the Parkinson's UK charity while working on Eric's storyline.
Chris Chittell, who plays Eric, recently commented: "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."
Check out more of our Emmerdale coverage:
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley responds to emotional Mandy and Eric scenes
Emmerdale resolves 'steamy affair' mystery in flashback scene
Emmerdale's Victoria Barton left upset by Jacob Gallagher as their romance turns sour
Emmerdale's Lydia Dingle devastates Sam after Craig murder showdown
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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