Emmerdale fans are abuzz with speculation that a much-loved character might make a comeback to aid a resident in dire straits.
Thursday's Emmerdale delivered an extended special, captivating viewers with a unique episode centred on Jacob Gallagher, the aspiring medic played by Joe-Warren Plant. The drama unfolded within the hectic confines of an A&E department, offering a glimpse into the intense realities faced by medical professionals.
The instalment featured a host of familiar faces from the village at the hospital, including Sarah, Marlon, Rhona, and Moira, the latter attending for her post-brain tumour surgery check-up.
Joe-Warren Plant, aged 22 and the actor behind Jacob Gallagher, opened up about the experience: "When I met with our producer Sophie, she told me about this hour-long episode dedicated to Jacob's first day of placement in A and E. I was hit with all these emotions.
"Knowing how many people have this high pressure job for real gave me the pressure to really knuckle down and get it right. Tackling this storyline scared me at first, but I feel honoured to know they trusted me enough to tell it. That means such a lot and I feel very honoured."
The episode closely shadowed Jacob as he navigated the hospital corridors, becoming entangled in a surprising development concerning April's vanishing act, reports Leeds Live.
Marlon and Rhona faced the harrowing ordeal of being told their daughter had died, but a mix-up at the hospital revealed that it wasn't April who had passed away, leaving Jacob mortified by his mistake.
Meanwhile, Cain found solace in sharing his burdens with Henry, another patient, as he grappled with Moira's sickness and the loss of his father Zak last year. Emmerdale fans swarmed social media to voice their opinions on the episode's poignant moments and to speculate on future twists.
The conversation turned to Jacob's estranged father David, who exited the village after a fallout with his son. Twitter user @craggsy82 lamented: "If life couldn't get worse, Jacob's mum is Leyla, and his dad is David."
Echoing the sentiment, @kylieskaty pointed out: "Your dad doesn't talk to you Jacob because you drove him away. You were in a relationship with his ex-girlfriend."
Jacob's despair deepened when Henry, the patient he had connected with, passed away in Thursday's episode. Despite the turmoil, some fans are hopeful for David's return to help his troubled son, with @emmerdale28d tweeting: "Jacob needs David back in his life."
Similarly, @sarah39f1 urged: "Come on David, save Jabob. He needs you #emmerdale."
Actor Matthew Wolfenden portrayed David until his departure in 2023. Viewers are left wondering if he might make a comeback to support Jacob in his time of need.
