Jai Sharma has been secretive in recent Emmerdale scenes but with spoilers announcing he may be teaming up with Caleb Milligan, the businessman is on the brink of trouble.

Following the breakdown of his marriage with Laurel Thomas, played by Charlotte Bellamy, Chris Bisson’s soap alter ego was horrified when Gabby Thomas revealed she’d be going into business with his estranged wife as he gets ready to sell his shares of the Hop.

In scenes aired on ITV this Tuesday, August 20, Jai was then caught phoning a mystery person and during this Wednesday’s trip to the Dales, things only got worse as he lied at his mediation with Laurel, claiming he’d sold both Holdgate and Tenants to pay off some debts.

Multiple viewers of the long-running show took to X, otherwise known as Twitter, as they speculated Jai was lying: “There’s no way Jai is telling the truth, get your solicitor on it Laurel”, one penned. Another echoed: “Surely Jai has to show proof of all his claims?!”

Spoilers for upcoming scenes have confirmed that Jai will be in cahoots with Caleb Milligan (Will Ash) as it becomes apparent the pair have struck some form of the deal. But with the latter known for his deceitful nature, another betrayal may be on the cards.

A theory suggests that Caleb may be trying to rattle Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham), the same way he once did upon his arrival in the Yorkshire Dales, as he tried to get his hands on the Tate family fortune. This could lead him to double-cross Jai after finalising their business agreement this Wednesday.

“Just when I thought Jai had played a blinder with Laurel he does the dumbest trick by investing all his hidden assets with Caleb of all people ooh dear never ends in soapland”, one viewer ranted on X, frustrated that Jai could trust Caleb after all his misdeeds. Another added: “Jai is so STUPID! Why the HELL would he trust Caleb?”

Appearing in the long-running drama in late 2022, just in time to celebrate Christmas with the Dingles, Caleb was revealed to be the illegitimate son of Frank Tate, hatching a plan with his son Nicky to take Kim Tate down and finally claim Home Farm as his own.

But as regular soap watchers will remember, the plan spectacularly failed when unable to live a lie any longer as he’d been pushed to seduce Gabby and eventually marry her, Nicky admitted everything on his wedding day, leaving Kim to confront Caleb.

While the feud seems to have taken a backseat, particularly as Nicky moved on and left the eponymous village earlier this year, Caleb’s vindictive streak could make a return as he makes another attempt to expand his family empire.

An alliance with Jai to take down Laurel may be the perfect way for him to find his way back into the Tate legacy, which Gabby’s son Thomas may be the sole heir to. Taking over a lucrative business like the Hop may be a stepping stone for Caleb to finally measure up to Kim.

In recent months, Caleb’s marital issues with wife Ruby (Beth Cordingly) have taken centre stage in his trajectory but will he ever settle his unfinished business? And could Jai be the one to unknowingly help him?