Dr. Gabrielle Jacobs is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, portrayed by Virginie Le Brun throughout two stints, from 2009 to 2012. She arrived in February 2009 as a potential love interest for long serving character Chris Warner (Michael Galvin).

Appearing as the first character in the core cast with Asperger syndrome, Gabrielle was depicted as a successful Head of the Surgical Department who struggled with the social nature of her workplace. Receiving praise from Autism groups nationwide, the character brought awareness to the reality of the disorder and opportunities available to those living with Aspergers. Her storylines predominantly centred on her career advancement and romances.

The character's unusual and comedic ways saw Gabrielle become vastly popular amongst fans, winning "Favourite Female Character" at the Throng Shortland Street Fan Awards 2009.

Virginie Le Brun was cast as the character of Gabrielle, an over-achieving doctor with Asperger syndrome. Le Brun was undergoing some family medical issues at the time, making surgery scenes difficult to endure. The casting was made public in January 2009 and it was said that Gabrielle's arrival in March would "immediately cause some consternation amongst her fellow colleagues." Appearing as a regular character on a one-year contract, it was decided not to renew this and Gabrielle was axed from the soap. This axing came from mutual agreement between Le Brun and Producer Steven Zanoski agreed that the character and storylines had come to an end.

Following weeks of speculation in the media, in March 2011 it was announced Gabrielle would be returning to Shortland Street after over a year off-screen. Zanoski had seen a high-demand from fans for the character to return and felt the storyline necessitated this, "as stories developed following Gabrielle's departure it became apparent that the character had unfinished business. After all, she is the only woman to have broken Chris Warner's heart." After being contacted to return, Le Brun thrilled, "It's been so exciting to be back in the building and playing Gabrielle again. I love the character and it has been lovely to catch-up with the cast and crew. I am looking forward to finding out what the writers have in store for me!" The character was again written out the following year, with Le Brun finding closure, "The first time it felt quite scary but this time is different. When I left in 2010, I felt I hadn’t done everything with the character that I wanted to. This time around, I feel like I’ve scratched that itch." The character made her last appearance on 26 April 2012.

Gabrielle arrived after being hired to head the Surgery department following the murder of Ethan Pierce (Owen Black). Her absurd and antisocial behaviour amused yet confused several members of staff including CEO Callum McKay (Peter Mochrie), Chris Warner (Michael Galvin) and annoyed nurse Tania Jeffries (Faye Smythe). Gabrielle started a relationship with Kip Denton (Will Hall), who quickly tired of the lack of emotion in the relationship and dumped her. Gabrielle struggled to operate on an ex-boyfriend but was comforted by Chris, enabling her to carry through the procedure. After running over a cat, an emotional Gabrielle admitted she loved Chris. Chris' partner Libby (Fleur Saville) was appalled and tried to set Gabrielle up with Luke Durville (Gerald Urquhart), who Gabrielle showed no attraction to. Chris soon admitted his love and they started to date, while Gabrielle saved Libby from a dangerous fire.

After being offered a job in Zürich, Gabrielle began to question emotions and when Chris talked down to her, she broke it off with him and left the country. A year later, Gabrielle returned to the hospital and was instantly confronted with feelings towards Chris. She jumped into a relationship with manipulative Shane Tucker (Jason Hood) and later dated Jonathon McKenna (Kieren Hutchison). Gabrielle was fazed by the arrival of estranged sister Lana Jacobs (Brooke Williams), however the two made up. Jonathon left her heartbroken after growing sick of her, sending Gabrielle into a nervous breakdown. Gabrielle admitted her love to Chris and the two succumbed to an affair. However it was short lived and Gabrielle realised she had been used. Gabrielle received a job offer in Sweden and though initially manipulated by Chris to stay, Gabrielle asserted her independence and departed after a farewell hosted by Lana.

Gabrielle is described as a no-fuss high achiever who knows what she wants and is highly intelligent. Due to her Asperger syndrome, Gabrielle is socially awkward and only gives eye contact if necessary. Though awkward she is confident. Le Brun described Gabrielle having a big heart, saying; "While her response is often quite severe, her intention never is – she's always coming from a good place." She also described Gabrielle's bluntness, saying; "She says things no one else would dream of saying, or they would but three seconds later respond with 'I can't believe I just said that!' But she doesn't realise it's inappropriate." She has also been described as "quirky". Le Brun tried to portray Gabrielle as innocent with her Aspergys, stating; "I do try to be sensitive to it. The really lovely thing about Gabby that I do try to show is that there is no malice in her and she has no agenda. When she says something offensive it doesn't come from a bad place. She's just stating a fact."