Emmerdale fans have suspected Maya Stepney is up to no good for a while now… And, as usual, they are set to be proved right!
In an uncomfortable storyline which kicks off tonight (Wednesday 17 October) and continues next week, Maya’s feelings towards schoolboy Jacob are called into question.
Is she innocent of inappropriate behaviour or guilty as sin?
Read more: Emmerdale: Priya turns baddie to impress new boss Kim?
Could David’s girlfriend even be planning to groom Jacob into a sexual relationship?
There have certainly been veiled warning signs that Maya is not as innocent as she comes across…
Her ex-husband Dr Cavanagh and former step-daughter Leanna have clearly seen another side to the local teacher – but is she capable of breaking the law and seducing a vulnerable student?
Jacob certainly thinks a lot of Maya, and show bosses have confirmed that he will develop an inappropriate crush on the woman who is currently dating his adoptive dad David Metcalfe.
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In fact, Jacob jumps to Maya’s defence when school head Jessie Grant threatens Maya with an official warning for breaching safeguarding guidelines when she gives Noah a lift.
Taking his anger and loyalty out on Noah, Jacob ends up punching him – and, let’s face it, Noah is already having a pretty shocking time of it at the moment.
Is Maya just acting as a caring neighbour or should viewers be hearing alarm bells over her crossing the boundaries of teacher/pupil relationship?
Speaking about her character, actress Louisa Clein recently told Inside Soap: “There is a lot still to explore with this character.
“Maya hints later on down the line that she has slightly dysfunctional parents, or certainly a mother figure that is lacking, which has created more of a desire in Maya to be adored and needed.
“There are things in her past that have created the person she is now.”
That doesn’t exactly put our minds at rest!
https://twitter.com/vanityvause/status/1051896240642957313
Oh I forgot the creepy Maya/Jacob stuff starts this week #Emmerdale
— The Woolie Weekly (@WoolieWeekly) October 15, 2018
Are we getting a weird triangle with Noah/Maya/Jacob? I'm thinking Maya gets interested in Noah and Jacob gets jealous? Ewwww its just weird to talk about it #emmerdale #ew pic.twitter.com/71HA0IwDHz
— Vanessa⁷🏳️🌈 (@vanessa_rocha88) October 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/KT5790/status/1052262704415682566
What is Maya's teaching degree in? Flirtation? #Emmerdale
— The Woolie Weekly (@WoolieWeekly) October 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/kaaaatiiiiiee/status/1052269176323284997
Why is Maya so interested in Noah. She’s a teacher, and needs to learn boundaries. #Emmerdale
— Ella Mathews (@District3_UJ) October 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/birdzwatcher/status/1052258624221970432
Don’t feel comfortable with Jacob & Maya in the same scene knowing what’s to come😖#emmerdale
— laura (@LauraaCowell) October 15, 2018
Fans have already voiced their growing disapproval about the upcoming storyline, with one tweeting: “I’m cringing already at the idea of Maya and Jacob.”
Another said: “Hope am no right thinking where this Maya & Jacob storyline is going #emmerdale.”
Others called the ‘friendship’ “creepy”, “dodgy” and “weird”.
Do you think Maya is capable of seducing a minor? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!