Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale's Eric Pollard will make a surprising confession next week, after making a secret escape from his engagement party.

The soap will air scenes this week which seem to show a strengthening of Eric's relationship with Brenda Walker, as he tells Brenda that he'd love them to get married at Christmas.

While Brenda is shocked by the sudden suggestion, she's delighted by Eric's show of commitment, especially when he later hands her an engagement ring which he claims to have bought at an auction.

brenda's engagement party in emmerdale
ITV

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But in scenes airing next week, it becomes clear that Pollard has been hiding something from his wife-to-be as he acts suspiciously at his and Brenda's engagement party.

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The celebration seems to be going well, as Eric gives a heartfelt speech and announces to an excited Brenda that he has booked them a cruise for their honeymoon.

As the guests enjoy the party, Rodney Blackstock corners Pollard and starts asking him about where exactly his new-found wealth has come from.

Although Pollard is coy about the source of his income, he suddenly panics and abruptly leaves the party after Rodney's questioning.

rodney blackstock, pollard, emmerdale
ITV

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What Pollard doesn't realise is that he's being followed by a suspicious Leyla Harding. As Eric heads home and Leyla trails him, she's left shocked when a shaken Pollard makes a big confession to her.

What exactly has Pollard been hiding, and will it ruin his future with Brenda?

It has been reported that Brenda star Lesley Dunlop will shortly be leaving the soap, suggesting that Brenda may not be getting the happy ending that she's hoping for.

Emmerdale's executive producer Iain MacLeod has already teased that there's a dramatic festive season on the horizon for the village's residents, revealing that it's due to be one of the most "exciting" Christmases ever for the soap.

"Christmas in soap is a difficult one as you want it to be dramatic and exciting but you also want it to have that humorous, warmth and festive soapy flavour and I think the balance is bang on here," he said.

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.


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