CORONATION Street viewers have predicted a sickening twist that Lauren Bolton

might be related to abuser Joel Deering. It comes as villainous solicitor Joel (Calum Lill)

has been tormenting troubled teen Lauren (Cait Fitton) for months.

During Monday’s (August 5) episode, a conversation between the pair left fans unsettled.

After Lauren gave birth to their newborn son, villain Joel made an appearance at the hospital.

During their conversation, Lauren asked: “Have I told you what I’m calling him?”

As an indifferent Joel responded “What?”, which prompted her to reveal: “Francis, well Frankie for short, after my grandad.”

This revelation seemed to pique Joel’s interested, as he added: “That was my grandad’s name too.”

Viewers were left wondering if Joel and Lauren might turn out to share a family tree, having already shared an intimate connection.

Taking to X, one wrote: “Are Joel and Lauren actually related #Corrie”.

Another added: “Are Joel and Lauren related then? Same Grandad? #Corrie.”

While a third commented: “Apparently, Lauren and Joel’s grandfathers were both named Francis. #Corrie”

“Joel and Lauren are cousins?”, a fourth person speculated.

Joel had visited the hospital to ensure the new mother didn’t forward an incriminating email to the police exposing his vile abuse.

Ultimately, she went along with the plan and deleted the contentious email during Joel’s visit.

Should Lauren and Joel turn out to be related, it would be the latest twist in a long-running storyline.