'Emmerdale' preview: Murderous Meena plays sick new game at plea hearing

There’s another tense day ahead for the villagers in Thursday’s hour-long instalment of Emmerdale, as murderous Meena Jutla’s (Paige Sandhu) plea hearing arrives.

In the lead up to the big moment, Meena’s sister Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) is feeling very anxious.

Earlier in the week, she learned that her partner Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) and colleague Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) will be unable to discuss Meena’s confession during the forthcoming trial.

Read more: Emmerdale: Meena's courtroom shock

This only adds to the pressure, as Manpreet will therefore be the only credible witness. That is, unless Meena decides to plead guilty to all charges — but given the character’s track record, this seems unlikely!

Remember, it wasn’t long ago that Meena told both Charles and Manpreet that she would make a full confession, only for her to twist the truth instead.

Read more: Next week on Emmerdale

Manpreet was stunned when the police questioned her after Meena implicated her in the murder of Andrea Tate. After the incident, Manpreet lost any hope she may have had that Meena would ever do the right thing.

As the day of the first hearing dawns, Manpreet is putting on a brave face. Speaking recently about the storyline, Rebecca Sarker, who plays Manpreet, explained: “To say she’s dreading [the plea hearing] is an understatement. Deep down [Manpreet] has very little faith that her sister will do the right thing.”

Read more: Emmerdale's Rebecca Sarker: 'Manpreet is at breaking point'

While we can’t reveal exactly what happens in court, what we can tell you is that Meena’s latest sick game leaves Manpreet even more traumatised, as she later suffers a panic attack.

Sarker revealed: “That sort of built-up tension and the pressure, the panic attack is a release from all that angst.”

“The scene was very interesting to film, actually, that sort of panic — because I was the only actor on set, so I felt very isolated which was useful because that’s how Manpreet feels.”

Read more: Emmerdale: Murderous Meena is finally charged for her crimes

Before Manpreet is pushed to that breaking point, though, there’s yet another theatrical performance courtesy of Meena. What will she say when faced with her long list of charges?

Will the loved ones of Andrea, Leanna Cavanagh and Ben Tucker ever get justice for their unbearable losses?

This storyline may be heading towards its conclusion, but beyond this week there’s more to come before we say goodbye to manipulative Meena.

Tune in to Emmerdale at 7:30pm for Thursday’s hour-long episode to find out what else she has in store.

Watch the latest Emmerdale spoilers