Fans 'convinced' they know Emmerdale icon is leaving after 39 years

Emmerdale viewers reckon they've worked out a legend's departure, 39 years after their first appearance.

Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) has been a cornerstone of the long-running ITV soap since 1986, and has encountered numerous difficulties in recent months.

At the close of last year, his romance with Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) reached its conclusion, after Eric squandered her life savings on an unsuccessful cryptocurrency gamble. Brenda subsequently departed the village to embark on a global cruise with Cathy Hope (Gabrielle Dowling).

In June, Eric's wellbeing deteriorated when he suffered a serious tumble at home. He was taken to hospital, with Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) attempting to arrange care for him upon his return home.

Following an unsuccessful attempt with a carer that Eric considered inappropriate, the ITV veteran grudgingly consented to allow Kerry to look after him provided he compensated her, reports the Daily Star.

To compound matters, Eric shortly received devastating news from Brenda on his 80th birthday.

"Well, it would have been [nice] if a Dear John letter hadn't been attached as well. She's not coming back," Eric revealed.

"She's rediscovered herself, new lease of life and unfortunately, I'm not included in it. And who can blame her after the way that I've treated her so badly. Thank you, Brenda, for letting me know on my birthday."

Eric subsequently expressed that he wished Brenda would discover happiness because "she deserves it". Now, numerous Emmerdale enthusiasts have expressed concern for the programme's most enduring character after his absence from screens spanning several months.

Countless viewers have subsequently turned to social media platforms to voice their anxieties.

"Can someone refresh me on what's happened to Eric Pollard?" one person wrote on a Facebook fan page.

Another added: "Ikr I've been wondering where he's been lately, hopefully his Parkinson's hasn't got worse," while a third said: "Omg I hope he's not leaving!".

A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: "Yeah no one has seen him for ages. He better not leave like Brenda did," with another similarly sharing: "I'm concerned we'll next see him in a hospital bed."

Eric isn't the sole established character currently absent from the ITV drama, as supporters have recently observed that Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) hasn't featured on screen recently.

Cain was last spotted on October 22 when he assisted Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) in urging villagers to undergo prostate examinations following the doctor's recent cancer diagnosis.