A major change in Emmerdale was referenced in tonight’s episode months after it happened. Bear Wolf was recently arrested and questioned after assaulting Jacob Sugden, breaking his bail terms.

As part of the interview, he was asked by DS Walsh about his recent assault of Jacob, repeatedly referring to him as Jacob Sugden.

Many viewers, however, will be more accustomed to referring to the character as Jacob Gallagher, given that it has been his name since the character was introduced in 2010.

sarah sugden, jacob, corriedale

ITV

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At the start of the year, Jacob tied the knot with Sarah Sugden and chose to take her last name as part of the nuptials.

Even though this change occurred not that long ago, it hasn’t been addressed much on screen, so the confusion among fans somewhat makes sense.

“Did a double take when that detective said Jacob Sugden 😭😭😭 completely forgot they’d done that,” one X user wrote.

They then pointed out that the change could play a huge part in Jacob’s ongoing baby storyline with wife Sarah, theorising: “Really hope making Jacob a Sugden is to ensure the baby is given the Sugden name and get Robert involved.

“It makes no sense to focus on the Sugdens and not bring Robert and Sarah closer esp when Rob supporting Sarah after she falls out with Dingles would be so easy.”

jacob, emmerdale

ITV

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Sarah and Jacob are currently preparing to become first-time parents, but it hasn’t been an easy path.

Sarah, who was previously treated for cervical cancer, is unable to carry a child herself, so her grandmother Charity Dingle stepped in to be their surrogate.

But Charity later found out that the baby she is carrying is not Sarah and Jacob’s, but is in fact her and Ross Barton’s, with whom she had a one-night stand last year.

Charity not only has to keep the secret from Sarah and Jacob but also from her husband Mackenzie Boyd, who believes the baby is his.

Jacob is also involved in a groundbreaking workplace bullying storyline in the hospital involving his boss Doctor Todd.

For exclusive soap star interviews, gossip, spoilers and theories every week, don’t miss the Soap Scoop podcast from Inside Soap magazine. The latest episode delves into next week’s soap spoilers for EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale – and also includes a deep dive into what Weatherfield newcomer Jodie Ramsey is really up to!