Emmerdale star Joe-Warren Plant has spoken about the potential baby bombshell coming up for his character Jacob Gallagher.

Next week’s episodes see Sarah Sugden secretly buy a pregnancy test following her recent night with Jacob.

With the test hidden away in her bag, Sarah struggles to find the right opportunity to tell Jacob about her suspicions that she’s expecting his baby.

Jacob is preoccupied by his grief for his mum Leyla Harding following her death in the recent limo crash. Before Sarah gets a chance to explain what’s on her mind, Jacob pushes her away and insists that he has no time to talk.

Sarah ends up doing the test alone and is worried when the result is positive.

Speaking to Digital Spy and other media about the storyline, Joe-Warren explained: “It would obviously come as a shock to the system if Jacob finds out. I think if he asked himself if he’s ready to be a dad, he’d probably say no.

“But with everything that’s going on, it might be the turning point Jacob needs in his life. He likes to see himself as a mature adult, but he’s still not quite there.

“If a baby was to come about, it might be the kick that Jacob needs to get himself into a better position mentally.”

He continued: “I think Jacob would be a great dad, to be honest. Jacob has always struggled in his own life with that father figure, as his biological dad wasn’t really there for him growing up.

“Obviously the relationship he had with David grew into something really special, but David moved to London. Knowing all that in the back of his head, it’s something that when the time comes, he’d really want to step up as he didn’t really have that growing up. I think he would notice that and really step up.”

Joe-Warren suggested that a healthier approach for Jacob would be to open up to Sarah about the turmoil he’s facing following Leyla’s tragic death.

He admitted: “Jacob is too proud an individual. He opens up now and again but he bottles it all up. I think a lot of people struggle with the same thing, really.

“Jacob is still coming to grips with everything and I don’t think he really likes asking for help.

“He wants to do it all on his own and thinks he’s got what it takes. He needs to realise it’s okay to let people in and to allow others to aid him in his journey.”