Emmerdale viewers believe they’ve figured out Eric Pollard’s upcoming romantic storyline and it involves a legendary soap character making a comeback.
Eric (Chris Chittell) has remained a cornerstone of the ITV drama since joining in 1986. As the programme’s most enduring character, Eric has featured in numerous major plotlines throughout the decades.
His journey has encompassed multiple weddings and his devastating struggle with Parkinson’s disease, ensuring his Yorkshire Dales experience has been filled with turmoil.
This proved particularly true recently, when his romance with Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) reached its conclusion earlier this year, reports the Daily Star.
Brenda terminated their relationship after he squandered her entire savings on an unsuccessful cryptocurrency investment. She cancelled their engagement and departed after 17 years together.
Eric has additionally been providing support to his grandson Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) in the aftermath of his mother Leyla’s (Roxy Shahidi) passing, whilst also navigating his surrogacy arrangement with Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill).
During Thursday’s instalment (August 15), the duo shared an emotional conversation about Jacob’s grief for his mother, particularly as Jacob prepares for fatherhood himself.
Nevertheless, viewers suspect a fresh love story awaits Eric, and they believe it involves someone who could stage a spectacular village comeback.
Writing on an Emmerdale Facebook fan group, one viewer commented: “I adore Eric so much, he needs a new romance now Brenda isn’t coming back.”
One viewer suggested a return for Gloria, Eric’s former wife, writing: “Remember Gloria? His ex? She might return and they could get back together.”
Another fan agreed, saying “Oh yes that would be good!” A third chimed in: “From what I can remember things ended badly but he could forgive her.”
Long-time viewers will remember Gloria’s arrival in Emmerdale back in 2000, where she quickly formed a bond with Eric. The couple eventually tied the knot, making Gloria Eric’s fourth wife.
However, their marriage was rocked by Gloria’s infidelity, which was ultimately revealed, leaving Eric devastated. He threw her out, and later her car and shoes were discovered, seemingly confirming her demise.
But in a shocking turn of events, Gloria was revealed to be alive when she sent Eric a photo from an undisclosed sunny location, revealing she had faked her own d.e.a.t.h to start anew. Her last appearance in the Dales was in late 2003, and she appeared in a video the following year.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
