Emmerdale’s Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) is never quite fulfilled unless he’s in the middle of a scam or scheme of some sort.

He’s also one for some major self-sabotage, and though we’ve all quite enjoyed his slightly weird friendship with Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton), he has her secretly wrapped up in his latest scam, threatening their beautiful bond.

They’ve been solid besties for a while now after Kerry came to his rescue when his illness got bad. Their friendship blossomed as she became his carer and housekeeper, bonding over being two con-loving peas in a pod.

Things turn sour after Kerry makes a discovery about her best mate. She finds a bank account in her name containing £15,000.

She’s delighted and immediately begins mentally spending the money. She tells Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) about her find, who delivers a harsh reality slap – it’s blatantly fraud.

Now the F word is not something to deter Kerry from her spending dreams, but Jacob warns if she touches the cash, she’ll be caught up in whatever scheme it is.

Jacob later relays this little discovery to his granddad, who is horrified that he’s been discovered. He gets Kerry alone as soon as he can and drops his confession – he is the mystery benefactor, and the money is not for her.

Instead, he’s been secretly squirrelling away money for Jacob as a fund for when his fiancé Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill), who has a terminal illness, eventually dies. Eric is preparing to cushion the blow for when Jacob is left a single dad widower.

Kerry gives Eric both barrels for reeling her into his scheme without her consent to give Jacob tax free cash.

But even she can’t keep up her anger when Eric tells her the money is for when Jacob is alone caring for their baby.

Kerry softens and reminds Eric they’re besties – if he needs help to break the law he only needs to ask.

A dangerous thing to say to a perpetual schemer. Are they headed for a new joint con?