In Emmerdale, Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) has been navigating a whirlwind of emotions following the tragic loss of his mother, Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi).
As he continues to cope with grief, a conversation with Leyla before her passing forced him to consider the reality of his budding relationship with Sarah Sugden (Kate Hill).
Jacob and Sarah’s romance began over the Christmas period, but in the midst of their excitement,
Jacob had not fully considered how Sarah’s long-term health condition could impact their future together.
However, Leyla’s reminder about Sarah’s diagnosis prompted Jacob to reflect on the challenges ahead.
Sarah’s Condition Sparks Concerns for Jacob
Sarah was diagnosed with Fanconi anaemia (FA) as a child—a rare genetic disorder that affects bone marrow function and increases the risk of cancer. The illness also has the potential to shorten her life expectancy, making the future uncertain for her and anyone close to her.
While Sarah has learned to live with her condition, Jacob found himself grappling with what it could mean for their relationship. Having already suffered immense loss, the idea of facing another devastating goodbye left him feeling uneasy.
Jacob’s initial reaction was one of panic, as memories of past heartbreak resurfaced. He previously experienced deep grief when his former girlfriend, Leanna Cavanagh, was tragically murdered by Meena Jutla. More recently, he struggled with the departure of his father, David Metcalfe, who left the village. And just days ago, Jacob’s world was shattered once again when his mother, Leyla, died in the limo crash.
A History of Loss Weighs on Jacob’s Decisions
The series of painful losses in Jacob’s life has shaped the way he views relationships. Reflecting on his character’s struggles, actor Joe-Warren Plant explained how Jacob has begun to recognize a pattern of people leaving him behind.
“There’s a tendency for people to leave Jacob in his life, and he’s finally clocking onto that. It’s one of the reasons why he’s pushing people away in certain situations,” he shared.
Jacob’s fears aren’t just limited to losing Sarah—he has also begun considering how her condition could affect any potential future they might have together. The idea of having a child with Sarah is something that weighs heavily on his mind, as he wonders how he would cope if he were to raise a baby alone.
“If there was a baby, it’s definitely something Jacob would think about—how would he raise a child on his own?” Joe-Warren added.
However, despite these concerns, Jacob understands that if he truly loves Sarah, her condition shouldn’t be a reason to end things.
“At the end of the day, if he really loves Sarah, then that wouldn’t be a good excuse to bin things off,” he said.
A New Chapter for Jacob
With Leyla’s passing and the departure of characters like Matthew Wolfenden’s David Metcalfe, Jacob’s storyline is evolving in a fresh direction. Joe-Warren Plant shared his excitement about working with new cast members and exploring different dynamics.
“Now that Matthew and Roxy have gone, which was heartbreaking, it’s allowed me to work with other people I don’t usually have scenes with. It’s quite a breath of fresh air,” he revealed.
Playing the son of Leyla often meant being tied to her storylines, but Jacob is now stepping into his own, engaging with new characters and challenges.
“It’s pushing me in a different direction. Rather than just playing Leyla’s son and being part of her storylines, it’s been nice to try something different,” he added.
What’s Next for Jacob and Sarah?
As Jacob continues to process his grief and adjust to a life without Leyla, his relationship with Sarah will undoubtedly be tested. Will he allow his fear of loss to push her away, or will he embrace the uncertainty and stand by her side?
With Emmerdale hinting at plenty of upcoming drama, viewers can expect an emotional journey as Jacob faces his fears and decides what the future holds for him and Sarah.
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