Emmerdale‘s Eric Pollard risks further heartbreak next week as he gets the wrong idea over his future with Brenda Walker.

Eric is led astray by his friend Jimmy King, who gives him the mistaken impression that Brenda may be interested in a romantic reunion.

Viewers saw Eric and Brenda’s relationship hit the rocks in December. Brenda was unable to forgive Eric for losing her life savings in a cryptocurrency scam.

The break-up is likely to be a permanent one, as Lesley Dunlop – who plays Brenda – is leaving Emmerdale after 17 years in the show.

Next week, drama surrounds Brenda following the revelation that she has won luxury cruise tickets in a magazine competition.

As Brenda has seemed reluctant to claim the prize, Nicola King goes on a selfish mission to secure the tickets for herself and her husband Jimmy.

Brenda throws a spanner in the works by revealing that she has changed her mind and now plans to go on the cruise alone.

Nicola still won’t give up and boldly puts herself forward as Brenda’s plus-one, claiming that she can support Brenda through the trip.

Jimmy is annoyed by the idea of Nicola sailing the seas without him, but he soon discovers that Brenda has her own separate plan for the tickets.

After hearing this, Jimmy can’t resist tipping off Eric about how there may still be a chance for him and Brenda.

Eric’s optimism is fuelled when Brenda wants to talk to him the next day.

As Eric gets carried away with himself, will he be left heartbroken by Brenda all over again?

Lesley Dunlop has played the role of Brenda since 2008. Her departure follows a string of recent cast exits, including Roxy Shahidi (Leyla), Martelle Edinborough (Suzy) and Natalie Ann Jamieson (Amy).

Emmerdale airs Brenda and Eric’s scenes on Thursday, April 3 on ITV1 and ITVX.