Emmerdale’s Henry made his debut this week during Jacob Gallagher’s first shift at hospital – and now fans have ‘rumbled’ who the patient really is

Emmerdale fans are convinced they know who hospital patient Henry really is – and he’s related to a Dales legend.

On Thursday (January 2) the soap aired a special episode, focused on Jacob Gallagher’s (Joe-Warren Plant ) first shift on a medical student placement in Accident & Emergency at the hospital.

It was a dramatic day that kicked off when a stabbing victim was admitted. Jacob thought this was missing teenager April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) – and got in contact with her distraught father Marlon (Mark Charnock).

Also at the hospital were Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Moira (Natalie J.Robb) – with the pair attending an appointment following her brain tumour operation. Jacob’s on-and-off girlfriend Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) was rushed to hospital as well with alcohol poisoning that she later recovered from.

What’s more, throughout the instalment, an elderly patient named Henry made several appearances. He was seen waiting for an appointment, and bonded with Jacob; offering comfort to the stressed medical student.

Henry also chatted to Cain, with Henry reminding him of his late father Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell). Later on, Henry was seen by a doctor, along with Jacob, and it was revealed Henry himself had an illness.

In a heartbreaking turn of events though, at the end of the instalment, Henry passed away – leaving Jacob heartbroken. However, Emmerdale fans are certain that Henry had a huge link to the Dales. On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, viewers are convinced he is related to a soap legend: Zak Dingle.

“Who’s with me on thinking Henry the elderly gentleman is Zak’s brother and this is whose graveside Cain goes to?” said one person, referring to the recent flash forward that showed an emotional Cain standing over the grave of someone.

Other fans agreed, with a second person writing: “He looks a lot like a Zak! You could be onto something.” A third chimed in: “I thought the same as soon as I saw him!”

Talking about the special episode, Jacob actor shared: “For the last few years we have seen Jacob [have] his head down in textbooks, studying for university with the aspirations of becoming a doctor,” said Plant. “So after many exams and countless hours of revision the time has finally come for him to get his hands on experience.

“He is embarking on his first placement in A&E. He turns up at the hospital feeling energised and ready for the day. Knowing how long he has been waiting for this, [he] is proud of his new job.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm