fans have forecasted the unexpected demise of a beloved character, and they believe they've figured out who's responsible.

Jai Sharma (played by Chris Bisson) first appeared in the Dales alongside his brother Nikhil (Rik Makarem) in 2009, quickly becoming one of the soap's most memorable figures.

His tenure in the Dales has been filled with numerous disputes and romances, particularly now as he suspects the Miligans are concealing something. Indeed, Caleb (William Ash) and Ruby (Beth Cordingly) are hiding their murder of Anthony Fox (Nicholas Day), Ruby's daughter Steph's (Georgia Jay) biological father and abuser.

After enduring sexual abuse from her father Anthony, Ruby killed him earlier this year, with several other villagers, including Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), Chas (Lucy Pargeter), and Cain (Jeff Hordley), involved in the cover-up.

This week, Steph discovered the truth about Anthony's murder and her paternity, leaving her devastated.

Meanwhile, Jai, who works with Caleb and Steph at their depot, grows increasingly suspicious of their secret, and spoilers for next week confirm that he continues to investigate.

Emmerdale viewers are predicting a dark turn for Jai Sharma as they speculate that his nosiness might lead to his untimely demise, with the shocking revelation that Steph could be his murderer.

Discussion is rife on an Emmerdale aficionado's Facebook page, where one fan remarked: "Poor Steph, I feel she's going to snap soon, it's going to get too much for her.", reports Leeds Live.

Another added fuel to the theory by stating: "I think she could attack Jai, he starting to snoop a lot more isn't he."

Echoing this sentiment, another chimed in, "Definitely, hopefully she will kill him!"

While yet another soap watcher speculated on the storyline's direction: "Yeah I don't think it will end well and Jai is involved in the storyline for a reason."

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm