Coronation Street ‘confirms’ Joel’s role in Lauren’s murder – in a scene that aired three months ago

If there’s one thing we know for certain about characters in soaps, it’s that most aren’t really kind and lovely without having an ulterior motive. When it comes to residents of Coronation Street, we’re starting to grow suspicious this rule might sit nicely alongside Joel Deering (Calum Lill).

We first met the solicitor when he had to help Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) out last year after she smashed up Audrey Roberts’ (Sue Nicholls) salon.

Focus then turned to a developing relationship with Dee-Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown). Things seemed to be going well for the couple, but it was then revealed Joel had been hiding a secret from his girlfriend – in the form of an ex-partner and a child.

Standard soap twist, honestly.

In recent weeks, we’ve seen Joel grow anxious at the prospect of meeting his little daughter. It’s all very sweet and quite ‘normal’ for a soap character – which is exactly why we think he’s hiding something.

A few months ago, Joel spent a massive £300 on cufflinks. Once Alya Nazir (Sair Khan) found the receipt, she told Joel he had ‘expensive taste’.

While Joel could well enjoy living the luxurious life, it has left us wondering whether these scenes – which aired back in February – might be a clue regarding Lauren’s disappearance.

This week, Roy Cropper (David Neilson) experienced another flashback of Lauren in the café. He focused a great deal on the posh necklace she was wearing, which was gifted to her by her mysterious boyfriend.

Roy will soon tell Dee-Dee that if they find out where the item of jewellery was bought, they might be able to identify Lauren’s boyfriend.

And could this be Joel?

If Joel is spending hundreds of pounds on cufflinks, does this increase the possibility he visited another jewellers to purchase Lauren’s necklace?

To further add to this theory, we also know some Coronation Street fans believe Joel purchased a bouquet of flowers for Lauren, which also look suspiciously similar to some he gave to Dee-Dee.

Oh, and can we also talk about the resemblance between Joel and Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper), who is set to return soon?

Could they be brothers?

With theories and rumours circulating constantly, we will eventually reach a turning point in this storyline, as DS Swain (Vicky Myers) tries to find out what really happened to Lauren Bolton.

Will we be talking about the darker side to Joel Deering in the near future?

Judging by everything we’ve spoke about here, it’s certainly possible.