Joel Deering (played by Calum Lill) was finally unmasked this week for his appalling crimes. Fans will remember him as the charming newcomer to the cobbles last year. However, the twisted solicitor has revealed his true nature in recent months, being unveiled as the culprit behind Lauren Bolton’s (Cait Fitton) disappearance.

Joel insidiously infiltrated Lauren’s life, initially assisting her with bills before manipulating her into a sexual relationship. Following a heated argument where Lauren mentioned his fiancee Dee-Dee Bailey’s (Channique Sterling-Brown) name, he brutally attacked her, leaving her for dead.

In addition to this, he is the father of her newborn child and recently attempted to murder her by drugging her in a desperate bid to kill the baby. His vile plan failed, however, as she went into labour prematurely and the baby survived.

Despite Joel believing he had evaded justice for his actions, the truth emerged this week, reports the Manchester Evening News.

In a shocking turn of events, Joel was the first to approach the police, weaving a web of deceit about Lauren.

He confessed to having a sexual relationship with the teenager but then lied, claiming that Lauren had obtained illegal abortion pills in an attempt to terminate the pregnancy.

Lauren has made the bold decision to venture to Ireland, aligning with her initial escape plans. However, in a twist revealed during Wednesday’s episode (August 21), she had an intimate conversation with Roy Cropper (David Neilson), who was wrongly imprisoned for her supposed murder.

Now, as Lauren finds herself without a clear destination, Coronation Street enthusiasts believe she might end up living with Roy.

A discussion on a Corrie fan page saw one fan speculate: “Do we think Roy will take Lauren and baby in?”