In the latest developments on Emmerdale, Jacob Gallagher,
played by Joe-Warren Plant,

faces a potential life-changing moment as a baby bombshell looms in his storyline.
As upcoming episodes unfold, Sarah Sugden’s pregnancy drama begins to take center stage, creating tension for the young couple.
Sarah, after a night spent with Jacob, secretly buys a pregnancy test, fearing the consequences of the situation she finds herself in.

Sarah, already struggling with the complexities of her relationship with Jacob, is hesitant to share her suspicions.

The test, tucked away in her bag, becomes a symbol of her uncertainty as she grapples with the reality of the situation.

However, before Sarah can find the right moment to tell Jacob, his emotions take a priority as he is still deeply affected by the tragic loss of his mother, Leyla Harding, in a recent car accident. Jacob’s grief over his mother’s death leaves him distant, and when Sarah attempts to talk to him, he pushes her away, too consumed by his own turmoil to engage in the conversation.
Sarah, feeling the weight of the news, takes the test alone, and to her shock, the result comes back positive. The discovery sets the stage for the emotional rollercoaster ahead, as Jacob’s life could be turned upside down with the revelation of an unexpected pregnancy.
Joe-Warren Plant, who portrays Jacob, opened up to Digital Spy and other media outlets about the shocking development and how Jacob might react. “It would obviously come as a shock to the system if Jacob finds out,” Plant admits. “I think if he asked himself if he’s ready to be a dad, he’d probably say no.” However, he goes on to suggest that the pregnancy could serve as a turning point for Jacob. Despite his initial shock and lack of preparedness, becoming a father might force him to confront his responsibilities and push him to mature in ways he hasn’t yet.

Plant believes that the baby storyline could serve as an unexpected catalyst in Jacob’s growth. “Jacob likes to see himself as a mature adult, but he’s still not quite there,” Plant explains. “If a baby was to come about, it might be the kick that Jacob needs in his life to get himself into a better position mentally.” This reflects the idea that sometimes, life’s challenges and unexpected turns can lead individuals to face their fears and grow in ways they might not have anticipated.
The actor also addressed Jacob’s relationship with his own father, which could provide context for how he might approach fatherhood. Jacob’s biological father has not been a significant presence in his life, leaving him with a sense of abandonment. On the other hand, Jacob formed a meaningful bond with David Metcalfe, who stepped in as a father figure during his teenage years. However, David’s recent move to London leaves Jacob to cope with his feelings of fatherlessness once again.

Plant is confident that despite Jacob’s initial hesitations, he would rise to the occasion if he were to become a father. “Jacob has always struggled with his own life with that father figure, as his biological dad wasn’t really there for him growing up,” Plant says. “Obviously the relationship he had with David grew into something really special, but David moved to London. Knowing all that in the back of his head, it’s something that when the time comes, he’d really want to step up.” He acknowledges that Jacob’s desire to be a good father is driven by the void left by his own father’s absence.
While the pregnancy might be a major shock to Jacob, Plant suggests that Jacob’s emotional journey could take a more positive turn if he were to open up to Sarah about his grief. “Jacob is too proud an individual,” Plant shares. “He opens up now and again but he bottles it all up. I think a lot of people struggle with the same thing, really.” He points out that Jacob tends to internalize his emotions, refusing to ask for help even when he needs it most. “Jacob is still coming to grips with everything, and I don’t think he really likes asking for help,” Plant says. “He wants to do it all on his own and thinks he’s got what it takes. He needs to realize it’s okay to let people in and to allow others to aid him in his journey.”

As Emmerdale fans eagerly await the fallout from Sarah’s pregnancy revelation, it’s clear that Jacob’s storyline will explore themes of responsibility, growth, and emotional vulnerability. Will the shock of becoming a father lead Jacob to mature, or will it add to his already heavy burden of grief? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Jacob’s journey is about to take an unexpected and life-altering turn.