Emmerdale fans are speculating that Sarah Sugden and Jacob Gallagher will leave the village in upcoming scenes, following the devastating revelation about their daughter's true parentage.
Sarah (Katie Hill) and Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) began their romance over the Christmas period in 2024. The relationship was soon made official, though devastation struck when Jacob ended things with Sarah in the aftermath of last year's limo accident, which claimed the life of his mother, Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi). While Jacob mourned his loss, Sarah pursued a romance with new arrival Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah). Jacob and Sarah ultimately reconciled, tying the knot just months before the arrival of their daughter Leyla through surrogacy, though they remained unaware of the child's actual origins.
Charity's secret revealed
In a devastating revelation for the devoted parents, the infant isn't biologically theirs, but rather the daughter of Sarah's grandmother, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), following a brief encounter with Ross Barton (Michael Parr) after she'd agreed to serve as Sarah's surrogate.
Following months of Charity concealing her secret while battling remorse, Sarah has at last discovered the truth from her grandmother. During last week's episodes, Charity revealed the shocking truth about the baby as Sarah attempted to visit the police station to disclose what really happened to Dr. Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker).
Soap viewers will know that Sarah accidentally killed the villainous doctor following a confrontation at Jacob's Fold, though Charity has assumed responsibility. The storyline intensified this week when it emerged that Sarah had approached the police upon discovering the truth about Leyla's real parentage.
Police lies and family tensions
Having just learnt of Charity's deception, Sarah lied to DS Thea Ramsden (Chelsea Edge), alleging that her grandmother had pressed her to concoct a false account, as it was "her duty as a granddaughter". This resulted in Charity being charged and remanded in custody, much to the dismay of her husband, Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb).
Sarah persisted with her deception towards her husband, Jacob, on Thursday (September 10), while Mack attempted to convince her to withdraw her fabricated statement. As the family tensions escalate in the Yorkshire Dales, certain viewers are convinced that Sarah and Jacob may flee the village with baby Leyla.
Fans share departure theory
This would represent a significant development, given that both Sarah and Jacob have been fixtures in the village for numerous years. Sarah made her debut on screen back in 2005, while Jacob arrived in the village in 2010.
Sharing their departure theory, one fan posted on a Facebook fan page: "I think Sarah and Jacob will run away with Leyla." Another concurred: "They will do it so Charity and Ross don't see her. She did say she wants Charity out of her life!"
In an exclusive chat on the red carpet at the National Television Awards on Tuesday (September 8), Jacob actor Joe-Warren Plant hinted at rocky times ahead for the couple after Sarah discovered Charity's secret. "Jacob knows nothing yet, but it's going to be absolutely devastating for him when he finds out," he said.
"Jacob and Sarah have a great relationship, and I feel like it's one that's built on strong foundations, and it's not something Sarah would want to keep from Jacob at all." The actor continued: "I think there's definitely going to be a moment of hurt, I guess. I think finding out news like that would kind of rock any sort of relationship for a time period. But I do feel like they are better than that and would be able to work through it together."
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
