Coronation Street fans 'work out' Joel Deering's next move as he 'avoids prison' in twist

Coronation Street fans think they have worked out Joel Deering's next move - and it could see him avoiding prison. Viewers of the ITV soap are eager for the evil solicitor to get his comeuppance for his grooming crimes.

Earlier this year it was revealed that Joel was Lauren Bolton's 'secret boyfriend' and was behind her disappearance and presumed murder after he was seen attacking her with a chair leg.

It was unclear if Lauren was still alive until July, when she returned to visit a poorly Roy Cropper, who had just been released from prison suspected of killing her.

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As she tried to leave undetected, Joel accosted her in the hospital where an intense confrontation ensued and the truth about their relationship was exposed, showing Joel had been paying Lauren's bills and buying her gifts in return for sex, leading to her falling pregnant with his child.

Since then, Joel tried to keep Lauren quiet by secretly housing her in his flat with promises of her being able to start a new life in Belfast. However, in a shocking twist, Joel was seen giving the teen a drug that saw her go into early labour with their son, Frankie, who is now fighting for his life in the hospital.

Last week, Corrie viewers saw DS Lisa Swain and Dee-Dee Bailey closing in on Joel as they discovered who had delivered the package of pills that spurred on Lauren's early labour. But when Joel was taken in voluntarily for questioning, he confidently avoided claiming any responsibility.

It wasn't until Friday's episode (September 20) that Swain finally had Joel bang to rights following a