ITV bosses are holding tight to the truth about who killed Emma (played by Gillian Kearney) for a while longer yet, but mother-of-one Laurel’s (Charlotte Bellamy) secret will be exposed at the funeral amid rumours of her affair with Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw).

Laurel’s step-daughter Gabby Thomas (Ashley Thomas) is still the bookies’ favourite to be the ultimate culprit of Emma’s death in the run-up to Christmas, but the truth about Laurel’s part in it could throw a spanner in the works. 

When viewers discovered that Ashley Thomas’ (John Middleton) widow had lied to the police about her whereabouts on the fateful day at the bridge viaduct, the story became even more complicated as it was clear cafe-owner Bob knew the real truth.

With fans now convinced the pair are having an affair, could this mean that Bob was also involved in Emma’s murder? 

Upcoming scenes will see Laurel furious with her son Arthur for wanting to attend the funeral, given the knowledge that mentally-ill Emma tortured her late husband and dementia-sufferer Ashley. 

But Gabby is later seen spying on her step-mother, begging forgiveness from a photo of the ex-vicar, which only strengthens theories that Laurel has been unfaithful to the supposed love of her life. 

The character’s secrets continue to unravel as police take her in for questioning following the unfortunate discovery of a mysterious incriminating photograph, as the soap finally blows up the long-running storyline later this month.

Regardless of the truth, the former Ashley Thomas actor has confessed he hopes his on-screen wife did kill Emma. 

”I’d like Laurel to have done it,” John, 64, told The Daily Star Online. "A nasty revenge for the love of her life!"

Emmerdale continues tonight at 7pm on ITV.