Emmerdale fans have been shocked by Louisa Clein’s character, Maya Stepney, who is currently embroiled in an ongoing grooming plot involving Jacob Gallagher, who is played by Joe Warren-Plant. Ahead of tonight’s episode, Louisa, 40, took to her Instagram to inform her 3,000 followers it was “back to reality,” alongside a snap of brightly lit tree at London’s King’s Cross following the festive break. She said: “And it’s back to reality. Early starts, dark mornings and sad farewells. “But also to still twinkling lights, massively exciting important stories to tell and who knows what else.
“Hello to 2019!!! Hope everyone has great Monday! #commutetoleeds #kingscross #emmerdale #monday #backtoschool.”
Fans responded to the star’s message as one wrote: “Beautiful pictures,” while another added: “Have a great day babe!”
The actress was on her way back to Leeds to film for the soap Emmerdale following her explosive storyline.
The Emmerdale schoolteacher is currently leading on teenager Jacob Gallagher who is desperately in love with her despite her being double his age making their relationship illegal.
But it appears to viewers she will not stop at anything to get what she wants.
Christmas Day even saw the pair sharing a steamy kiss at Marlon Dingle (played by Mark Charnock) and Jessie Grant’s (Sandra Marvin) wedding, but they were interrupted.
Instead, Jacob ended up hiding in a cupboard while his dad David (Matthew Wolfenden) and Maya began to do the exact same thing, until the latter finally put an end to it.
In a recent episode, it appears Jacob is now plotting to take control of the situation with Maya.
During a fitness training session with Ellis Grant in the village hall, Jacob suddenly paused to read a text which came through on his mobile phone.
“Missing you,” it read. “Where are you?”
Jacob grinned at the message from Maya, and Ellis quickly clocked on to the situation.
“Secret girlfriend,” he joked. “Assuming it’s back on from the look on his face.”
But in a completely unexpected response Jacob simply placed the phone back in his pocket and carried on with the class.
Meanwhile, Louisa has been regular fixture on the show since March 2018.
The actress previously starred in shows Holby City, Doctors, Casualty and Midsomer Murders.
Emmerdale airs tonight on ITV at 7pm.