'Emmerdale' preview: Murderous Meena's impact continues to cause distress

Emmerdale’s Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu) may be in hiding, but there are plenty of locals still suffering the consequences of her murderous actions.

Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) is recovering in hospital after her ordeal at the hands of her sister, and the devoted Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) remains by her side.

Will the pair open up about their feelings and make a fresh start together, or will it be too much too soon for an anxious Manpreet? Meena’s impact is weighing heavily on the doctor, who wonders if she can even continue living in the village.

Earlier in the week, Vinny Dingle’s (Bradley Johnson) desperation turned to frustration when Manpreet’s statement led to a dead end.

Despite Meena confessing everything to her, Manpreet couldn’t provide actual details of Ben’s murder, meaning she couldn’t help Liv’s (Isobel Steele) case.

Although Vinny suggested they should plant something to prove Meena’s guilt, the situation was taken out of his hands when Liv told him the police had suddenly found new evidence that might free her.

But what is it?

In Thursday's first Emmerdale instalment, Vinny is cautiously optimistic as the day of Liv’s hearing dawns, but the fact that Aaron (Danny Miller) has refused to return doesn’t help matters.

Read more: Emmerdale spoilers for next week

Of course, with Miller having left the soap last year after becoming a father for the first time — and being crowned King of the I’m A Celebrity castle — viewers weren’t expecting his alter ego to reappear any time soon. But for Liv, her brother’s absence will speak volumes. At least loyal Vinny isn’t going anywhere, though.

As he heads off to court, will the couple be reunited after everything they’ve been through? Let’s hope so, as there has been far too much misery for them over the last 12 months. They are surely due a bit of happiness.

The update on Liv’s situation gives some villagers renewed hope that evil Meena has finally been caught. But has she?

Read more: Meena's reign of terror reaches its crescendo

Well, Meena is due to return to screens sooner than you think — but it doesn't look like she'll be seen in handcuffs just yet.

Emmerdale’s executive producer Jane Hudson recently revealed that “Meena will get what’s coming to her”. But she added that there are still a few more twists in the tale.

Meena certainly has unfinished business in the village, so who is next in the killer nurse’s sights?

Tune in to Emmerdale at 7pm and 8pm to see what’s in store for those she has left behind.

Watch a teaser of Meena's return