Jacob is in a bad place, according to Joe-Warren Plant, who plays the troubled med student in Emmerdale. The heartbreaking death of his mum Leyla has taken its toll. He’s lonely, isolated, working hard on his medical studies and generally burning the candle at both ends.

It’s a testing time for the wannabe doctor. So we caught up with Joe-Warren, who plays Jacob, to find out what’s going on with his alter ego.

Is Sarah the one for Jacob in Emmerdale?

One bright spot in Jacob’s life is Sarah – until this week when he cruelly rejects her just as she thinks she could be pregnant.

So is Jacob just lashing out under the stress of planning his mum’s funeral? Or has he decided Sarah isn’t the one for him after all?

“His feelings for Sarah are definitely genuine,” says Joe-Warren. “Over the last few weeks and months even he’s been struggling with his placement on A&E, he’s not got off to the best start there, but he does genuinely care about Sarah. It’s nice to see their relationship grow.”

Jacob’s going off the rails

Though Jacob’s feelings are genuine, his behaviour this week doesn’t bode well for poor Sarah. He’s having trouble coping with Leyla’s death, he’s been sent home from the hospital because he’s finding it too hard, and so he meets up with new friend Rich to get drunk.

He even invites a load of random people from uni to a party at Leyla’s house. So is Rich trouble for Jacob?

“They have a lot in common, but with the pressures that the job brings it opens people up to coping mechanisms,” explains Joe-Warren.  “Jacob can be easily led. Rich is a good friend to Jacob, but he’s been taking them down the wrong path.”

Though when Jacob decides to throw a party,  it’s Rich who questions the wisdom of doing such a foolish thing the night before his mum’s funeral and at her house.

But Jacob’s hurt that his dad David – who owns the cottage – isn’t coming to the funeral and he doesn’t care.

“Jacob’s been having difficulties being authentic with his emotions,” says Joe-Warren. “He’s got a lot on his plate. he’s not the best at communicating, it’s eating away at him. He is burning the candle at both ends. But he’s got a good heart.”

Baby blues?

Meanwhile, Sarah’s got worries of her own. She thinks she could be pregnant.

How would Jacob react if Sarah is expecting his baby?

“Obviously it would come as a shock,” Joe-Warren laughs. “I think if he asked himself if he’s ready to be a father he’d probably say no, but actually  it might be the turning point Jacob needs in his life. It might be the kick Jacob needs to get himself into a better position.”

Could a baby encourage Jacob to ditch the booze and make a go of things with Sarah?

“He’d really want to step up and do the things that he himself didn’t have growing up,” says Joe-Warren.

More drama to come for Jacob in Emmerdale says Joe-Warren Plant

It seems with Leyla’s death, Sarah’s possible pregnancy and Jacob’s medical training, Jacob’s got a lot to deal with. And he’s very isolated without his mum Leyla (played by Roxy Shahidi), or his dad David – who was played by Matthew Wolfenden – in the village.

And it’s not easy for Joe-Warren either! He’s played Jacob, alongside Roxy and Matthew since he was a child. He’s been in the show for 15 years – more than half his life.

“Now Matthew and Roxy have gone it’s heartbreaking,” he admits. “But it’s allowed me to work with other people. People I don’t usually have scenes with. It’s been a breath of fresh air really. It’s nice to see what dynamics Jacob has with different characters as well. Rather than being the son of Leyla, it’s nice to play something different.”

Luckily, there’s a family reunion on the horizon. “We’re due to go out for lunch very soon,” he says. “And me and Roxy went down to see Matthew in panto.”

And Joe-Warren says there’s a lot more drama in store for Jacob. “There’s lots more coming up,” he teases.