ITV Emmerdale star 'confirms exit' as character plans to leave village after 14 years
Emmerdale's Jacob Gallagher, portrayed by Joe-Warren Plant, might be waving goodbye to the village after an impressive 14-year stint.
In a recent twist that's got fans on the edge of their seats, Tuesday's episode (April 16) saw Jacob mulling over a life-changing study opportunity in Berlin, courtesy of Dr Liam Cavanagh. The prospect of leaving his love interest, Victoria Sugden, with whom he shares a rollercoaster romance, has left him torn.
Drama escalated when Victoria got wind of Jacob's secret academic offer and encouraged him to chase his ambitions, potentially spelling the end for both his character on the beloved soap and their rocky relationship.
This potential exit storyline comes hot on the heels of Jacob's on-screen father, David Metcalfe, played by Matthew Wolfenden, making his dramatic departure from Emmerdale. David's inability to come to terms with Jacob's relationship with his ex, Victoria, led him to reunite with his past love Priya Sharma and their daughter Amba, bidding farewell to the Dales.
Reflecting on his own exit, Wolfenden shared his apprehensions: "I'm so nervous about leaving, almost two decades," reports the Daily Star. Will Jacob follow in his father's footsteps and start anew?
He shared: "It feels like the right time. The door's left open, they're not killing me off, I've been promised. I'm allowed to tell you that.
"So who knows, I might be back, we will see," he revealed to the Mirror. "I met my wife on the show, we've had three kids."
"Not only has it given me 18 years of an amazing job, it's given me family. So to leave it, it's been a big, big part of my life. There is a resolution of sorts, I can't give too much away. Victoria is the reason why he leaves the village. Put it that way," the actor expressed.
Joe-Warren admitted feeling devastated about his friend and co-star leaving but promised they'd stay connected. He confessed: "I'm gutted! I've learnt everything from him. I had no previous acting experience, so everything came directly from Matthew."
"It's sad, but we'll keep in touch, he's my best friend! Matthew's the most genuine soul you could ever meet. I'll miss him, for sure, it's going to be strange.."
"I think he'll have to spend more time with Leyla and get used to not having a father figure in his vicinity. Jacob loves David to pieces and there's a good energy between them. Jacob will struggle without him."
Catch Emmerdale on weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV1 or stream it on ITVX.
