Soap - and a very close shave for '˜dad'

Joe-Warren Plant - a close shave for a TV soap storyline in award winning Emmerdale with screen 'dad' David

The young heart throb, represented by Scream Management, has had a close shave - and not just for a storyline.

Joe-Warren, 14, is playing an increasingly challenging role in Emmerdale which was crowned Best Soap for the first time ever in Britain’s Soap Awards - beating off the vastly over rated EastEnders as well as rival regional front runner Coronation Street.

The Dales-set soap has seen a series of powerful plots in recent months involving emotional dilemmas - such as Ashley’s Alzheimer’s and David’s battle with testicular cancer.

Joe-Warren plays the regular role of Jacob Gallagher - and has been pushed forward as the caring son of David (played by Matthew Wolfenden).

The current storyline sees the plucky teenager have his hair shaved off in solidarity with his TV dad who’s going through chemotherapy.

Joe-Warren, who attends Baines High School, says: “It is so amazing to be part of the storyline. Matthew Wolfenden has just been fantastic. He is a great role model. I have learnt how cancer affects you and others around you. It is such a mix of emotions – from sadness to frustration to anger.”

Joe-Warren has been part of the Emmerdale cast since he was eight. By nine he was up for an Inside Soap award. He was first talent spotted at Scream Theatre School in Blackpool by the Actors Agency division of Scream Management, which is now based at Media City, Salford.

Since then he has gone from strength to strength and is relishing his toughest storyline to date. Jessica Bell, Agent at Scream Management, says: “Joe-Warren has been so brave. He wanted to show his support to cancer and didn’t hesitate at all when he was asked to shave his head. Appearance is an important thing at his age so we are really proud of him for running with the storyline.”

Steph Plant, Joe-Warren’s mother, adds: “I’m so proud of him. Not every teenager would shave their hair. It’s all about raising awareness for cancer. School have been so supportive and all his friends which has been lovely to see.”