Emmerdale‘s Jacob Gallagher is officially reprimanded on his first day working in A&E next week.

Jacob finds himself in trouble for breaking the rules when a patient’s admission at the

hospital links to a mystery that’s close to home.

The medical student is about to start a work experience placement in A&E,

which is explored in a special standalone episode of the ITV soap. Things start off well for Jacob when his supervisor Dr Todd briefs him on his first day.

Jacob is eager to please, but his optimism turns to concern when a stabbing victim is brought into the hospital.

Jacob notices that the patient has April Windsor’s purse in their possession.

He immediately panics and calls April’s father Marlon Dingle, who has been desperate for answers over his daughter’s mysterious disappearance.

Dr Todd reprimands Jacob for breaking protocol by contacting Marlon and makes it clear that this was unacceptable.

By this point, the damage has already been done, as Marlon and his wife Rhona Goskirk arrive at the hospital to seek some answers. A nurse steps in to give them some devastating news.

Meanwhile, Sarah Sugden is also brought into the hospital in a drunken state.

Charity Dingle accompanies her granddaughter to A&E and there’s panic all round when Sarah collapses.

Jacob steps in to help Sarah, but also issues some tough words over the impact of her irresponsible behaviour.

Sarah makes a confession to Jacob – will this bring them closer together after the recent chemistry between them?

Emmerdale announced Jacob’s special standalone episode earlier this month.

Producer Sophie Roper said at the time: “When Jacob first embarked on his aspirations of having a medical degree, we knew at some point we wanted to show a day in his life.

“In this episode we step away from our usual environs of the village and head to the hospital. This episode takes place entirely on our purpose built hospital set. Accident and Emergency is a place many of our characters end up in, but seldom by choice.

“As the episode unfolds, Jacob will encounter some challenging situations that also affect some of our Emmerdale villagers, pushing Jacob to his limits both professionally and personally.”

Emmerdale airs Jacob’s special episode on Thursday, January 2 on ITV1 and ITVX. You can also check out our collection of 10 spoiler pictures for a full look at the New Year episodes.