The long-awaited trial of serial killer Meena Jutla is taking place on Emmerdale this week and many viewers are hoping she finally gets her just desserts. But some are becoming increasingly suspicious over one of the latest characters to join the Yorkshire soap - Meena's prison guard, Ian.
Over the last week, Meena (Paige Sandhu) has been flirting with her prison guard, played by Dean Smith, supposedly in a bid to get closer to the officer as we can presume she is already plotting her next move. When he first appeared in scenes on April 5, Meena revealed she was "a sucker for a pretty boy" which seemed to make him uncomfortable at first but he has since been flirting back and lingering around outside her cell and seen bringing her the latest newspapers and snacks.
Many may recognise the actor Dean from playing Philip Ryan on BBC school drama Waterloo Road from 2009 to 2011 but he's no stranger to soaps, he's previously starred in Hollyoaks as D.S Yates between 2018 and 2019 and Coronation Street in Andy Wingfield in 2019. The 32-year-old actor also played Willis in the 2019 BBC series Open All Hours alongside David Jason and Williams in the Last Tango in Halifax series.
Dean has become a regular face in the ITV soap this week, escorting Meena to and from court where her trial continues. Liam Cavanagh - whose daughter Leanna was pushed over a bridge to her death by the serial killer in July 2021 - took to the stand in Monday's instalment and Meena's sister Manpreet Sharma found her credibility being questioned by Meena's barrister in Tuesday night's episode.
But some Emmerdale viewers are convinced there is more to Meena's prison guard and that he's not as gullible as he makes out. Many have suggested he is perhaps leading Meena on, is an undercover police officer or is somehow related to one of her victims and is seeking revenge.
Pam tweeted: "Now I've been thinking...Ian the 'prison officer' who is actually a police officer, who'll be called as a last minute character witness to wipe the smug smile off Meena's face, once & for all. The villagers need justice #Emmerdale". Maureen Bayliss added: "Does anyone else think "Ian" is a undercover copper getting info on meena #emmerdale".
"I’m sorry but I’m not believing this guard Ian is a gullible as he’s coming across," Mike tweeted: "Here’s my theory Ian could be a brother of meena first victim her best friend or a brother of Ben maybe and he might kill meena or something".
Donna Carroll posted: "I wonder if Ian is there, to see if Meena says anything to incriminate herself to him, because he's not acting like a prison officer should and that expression on his face at the end, tells me something isn't right with him. #Emmerdale" and another viewer, Jodie added: "Does anyone else think all that glitters is not gold and innocent Ian is gunna sort evil meena out".
Meena's trial continues on Emmerdale weeknights on ITV and ITV Hub from 7.30pm.
