With his betrayal weighing on her, Emmerdale’s Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) declined Eric Pollard’s (Chris Chittell) second proposal, instead calling it quits on their relationship.
Eric, as viewers know, went behind Brenda’s back earlier this month, stealing her life savings and investing them in cryptocurrency, which ultimately turned out to be a scam.
Brenda was devastated, struggling to comprehend how Eric could have committed such a betrayal.
Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) informed her that the ITV soap legend’s new medication could have caused his impulsive behaviour, which left Brenda all the more devastated as she came to believe that said medication influenced his decision to pop the question.
Eric was on a mission to make things right, agreeing to put his beloved shop on the market. Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) urged him to follow through on such a plan – and to step up his efforts to making amends.
Thursday’s (December 5) edition of the ITV soap saw Eric do just that, organising an afternoon of fancy food and drink in the shop for Brenda, who wasn’t in the mood.
But despite her feelings on the matter, she agreed to attend, with Eric taking the opportunity to get down on one knee to pop the question once again, assuring her that he wants to be with her.
Brenda didn’t answer at first and, after a comedic moment which saw Liam interrupt the proposal for a bottle of milk, she ultimately declined.
Eric was truly devastated and he came to realise the consequences of his actions as a tearful Brenda explained that she might get judged for leaving him following his Parkinson’s diagnosis but that she simply needs some time to herself, having already planned on moving in to the B&B.
Eric was understanding, telling Brenda that there was no judgment on his part as he broke down in tears.
Is this really the end for Brenda and Eric? It seems likely, with star Lesley Dunlop reportedly set to depart the show after 16 years.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX.
