Picture preview: Val tells Eric her HIV secret (17-21 Feb)

Despite Val being terrified of telling Eric, she is determined to face up to her fears.

Taking Eric aside and bracing herself, Val tells him that Ian, the man she slept with, is HIV positive and is worried that she could be too.

The news stuns Eric into silence as he weighs the implications of Val’s big revelation. But he's not only worrying about his own health as he thinks about the risk he's unknowingly put Diane in.

Needing support, Val’s asks Eric to go with her to the clinic - but Eric's unsure of whether to go.

As Val waits on edge at the clinic, with each passing minute all hope starts to fade that Eric will show. But just when Val thinks he is a no show, Eric appears. But with him remaining frosty, is Eric there to support Val or purely to get himself checked?

Both Val and Eric get tested. Soon afterwards, the Pollards are called back in for their results...

Preparations are underway to give Val a surprise birthday party - the timing couldn't be any worse. Diane tells everyone to stop fussing, knowing Val's not up for celebrations right about now.

Meanwhile, Val is struggling to cope with the results of her test. Val's been diagnosed HIV Positive.

Back At The Woolpack, Diane’s advice has been thoroughly ignored and everyone continues setting up for the surprise. Val reacts badly when she walks in and sees the decorations. She leaves with Diane hot on her heels to take her home.

Alone with her sister distraught Val privately confides her deepest fears. Unbeknownst to Val, both Diane and Eric are still wracked with guilt but will Val learn the truth?