Emmerdale viewers are convinced that Laurel Thomas is going to find herself pregnant – but not many think Jai Sharma is the father

Emmerdale fans are abuzz with speculation that Laurel Thomas could be at the centre of an unexpected pregnancy plot twist.

Charlotte Bellamy has been portraying Laurel since 2002, earning a steadfast following among viewers. Throughout her time on the popular soap, Laurel’s life in the Dales has been laden with upheavals.

In recent episodes, Laurel’s challenges have surged dramatically. After experiencing a heart attack, she also had to navigate the end of her tumultuous marriage with Jai Sharma, portrayed by Chris Bisson.

Exasperated by Jai’s deception, Laurel insisted on a divorcea process that Jai is determined to make arduous for her. Yet, it seems Laurel may not linger long on past woes.

This week saw Laurel immerse herself into coordinating the community’s harvest festival alongside vicar Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) and his mother Claudette (Flo Wilson). Despite Claudette causing complications, Laurel persisted with her event plans, much to the disconcertment of Charles, reports Leeds Live.

Tensions escalated when Laurel and Charles had a spat at his residence. However, their disagreement swiftly escalated into a heated encounter, culminating in a kiss and subsequent amorous encounterprompting shock and dismay from spectators.

Viewers took to social media to express their reactions, with one viewer commenting on X, “Laurel and Charles noooo. I am never going to get that vision from my head now,” while another posted, “Wth Laurel and Charles?”

One viewer expressed their discomfort with a scene, writing: “Charles and Laurel. That was one moment when I was hoping his mother would walk in on them so we wouldn’t have to witness them grabbing one another.”

Meanwhile, speculation is rife among Emmerdale fans that the show might be setting up a surprise pregnancy plot for Laurel. On an Emmerdale fan page on Facebook, a fan speculated: “Laurel will probably be pregnant in a couple months.”

Another fan agreed, responding: “Yes, I can see it too.” A third chimed in: “I’m calling it now, Laurel ends up pregnant and she doesn’t know who the dad is. Probably be Charles’.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm