Emmerdale‘s Sarah Sugden undergoes a major operation for her cancer next week – but tragedy strikes when the surgery doesn’t go to plan.

Just when Sarah thought her baby dreams were finally coming to fruition, with Jacob Gallagher selflessly offering to be her sperm donor, Charity and Cain Dingle receive upsetting news and must break it to their granddaughter.

So, is her dream of becoming a mum over already?

“Jacob’s trying everything to help Sarah have a baby,” explains Joe-Warren Plant, who plays the junior doctor.

“He wants to step up to the mark after having upset her in the past. He doesn’t like to see her suffer and this is his way of showing her he cares. He’ll be there no matter what it takes.”

Accidentally landing Sarah in hot water, Jacob tells Cain about his granddaughter’s IVF plans, leaving him at the mercy of the mechanic’s temper.

When Sarah sees her Grumpy’s violent reaction, she has doubts – until Jacob has a word.

“Jacob’s trying to be Sarah’s rock,” shares the actor. “He’s doing all he can to reassure everyone and do the right thing for Sarah.

“It’s upsetting him as well to see her in a state of worry and uncertainty. These are her dreams. From this moment, he’s completely on her side.”

Following Jacob’s shocking suggestion, Sarah heads to the hospital for her cancer operation.

She’s grateful to have Charity by her side during this frightening ordeal, but her heart is broken all over again when her gran reiterates that she’s making the wrong decision about the baby.

“Jacob worries about Sarah when she goes into surgery,” Joe-Warren says. “At the same time, he’s got very positive hopes. Deep down he believes it’s going to be all right.”

However, Jacob’s optimism is short-lived. As Cain and Charity await news on Sarah’s operation, the surgeon tells Sarah’s family the grave news that things haven’t gone to plan.

Are Sarah’s dreams of becoming a mother about to be shattered? Or will she and Jacob have a family despite any setbacks?

“I really think they’d be great parents,” Joe-Warren adds. “Sarah’s also not had an easy life so all these things would shape them. He’s going to be there every step of the way for her…”