Emmerdale‘s Eric Pollard refuses help from his loved ones next week, after he suffers a dangerous fall and is rushed to hospital.

Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a year and a half ago, Pollard has been struggling to manage his worsening symptoms on his own.

So, when concerned Tracy Robinson notices his issues when they work at David’s shop together, she offers vulnerable Pollard her help.

Offended, he shuns her offer, insisting that he’s managing fine on his own – however, he soon comes to regret his words when he has a nasty fall and there’s no one around to help him.

“Pollard’s classic stubborn nature isn’t getting any better with age,” our Emmerdale source explains.

“After his fall, he ends up in hospital with his arm injured and strapped up in a sling – but he can’t remember a thing.

“This flags concern in Jacob and Kerry, as he’s suffered with confusion due to his Parkinson’s before, but has never had such a drastic loss of memory.

“In his elder years, he needs to lean on his friends for support more than ever, but he just won’t let them help him.”

Worried by his memory blackout, Jacob and Kerry insist that he needs to consider hiring some help at home. Insulted by their suggestion, patronised Pollard dispels the idea completely, determined to carry on with his life as he knows it…

“It’s not long before Kerry notices that Pollard can’t manage some everyday tasks,” our insider continues.

“She’s like family to Pollard, so decides to take matters into her own hands and hire a home-help company to support him. Since Brenda left, he really has been suffering in silence, and caring Kerry won’t let it continue.”

Later, things go from bad to worse when Pollard sadly suffers a further fall. Finally accepting that he needs help, Pollard prepares to welcome some assistance into Wishing Well Barn.

When a resolution is found, will he swallow his pride and accept the help he truly needs? Or will grumpy Pollard continue to push away the people who have his best interests at heart?