Emmerdale star Joe Warren-Plant opens up about why he has been WRITTEN OUT of the soap

Emmerdale
(Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale favourite Jacob Gallagher has mysteriously jetted off to Portugal...

Emmerdale star Joe Warren-Plant has revealed more details about why his character, Jacob Gallagher, won't be seen on screen for the foreseeable future.

The actor, who is currently in training for Dancing On Ice 2021, has taken an extended break from filming at Emmerdale in order to take part in the reality TV show.

His last scenes were aired last month when Jacob announced he would be going to Portugal to stay with adoptive mum, Alicia, for six months.

Jacob is worried in Emmerdale

Joe's character, Jacob, has left the village to take an extended break in Portugal (Picture: ITV)

But, in the past, soap actors have managed to juggle the demands of filming for Emmerdale while also training for Dancing On Ice.

More: The Great British Bake Off Christmas special - everything you need to know 

However, as well all know, 2020 isn't a year like any other.

Keeping everyone safe

Actor Joe took part in an Instagram Live session recently for Danny Miller's charity Once Upon A Smile and revealed Covid is to blame for the fact he has had to separate the two projects...

Jacob and Leanna argue in Emmerdale

Jacob won't be seen on screen for six months (Picture: ITV)

"Emmerdale have written me out of the show for six months," he revealed.

"But they've been pretty flexible, with it being an ITV production, they've had cast members do it all the time, but with Covid as well they didn't really want me crossing productions.

"Because if I contracted it and then was on Dancing On Ice the next day and then went to Emmerdale, that's two shows that I've put in jeopardy.

"So it was the safer option to write me out for a little bit. But I'm glad, because it gives me time to focus 100 percent on that.

Dancing on Ice Ice Panel

Joe has joined the celebrity line up for Dancing On Ice 2021... (Picture: ITV)

"Matthew Wolfenden did it, and he was filming at the same time," Joe continued.

"He had a pretty big storyline and he was coming in and was just non-stop, he was in at 7 in the morning for filming, then finish at 5 and to training for two or three hours, and that was every day for months on end.

Training hard

"I'm glad I've got the time off, it's absolutely amazing but hands down the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

"I'm loving every minute of it, it's put me in a really good routine.

"Not only am I physically stronger, but mentally as well. It's the best thing I've ever done."

Dancing On Ice 2021 is set to air on ITV in the new year.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.