diff --git a/src/jquery.editable.js b/src/jquery.editable.js
index 4ffafcf..1790693 100644
--- a/src/jquery.editable.js
+++ b/src/jquery.editable.js
@@ -31,8 +31,8 @@
       if(trigger !== target) trigger.hide();
       var old_value = (
         type === 'textarea' ?
-          target.text().replace(/<br( \/)?>/gm, '\n').replace(/&gt;/gm, '>').replace(/&lt;/gm, '<') :
-          target.text()
+          target.html().replace(/<br( \/)?>/gm, '\n').replace(/&gt;/gm, '>').replace(/&lt;/gm, '<') :
+          target.html()
       ).replace(/^\s+/,'').replace(/\s+$/,'');
 
       var input = type === 'textarea' ? $('<textarea>') : $('<input>');