Emmerdale's Jai Sharma's 'stupid' move exposed as fans predict betrayal by unlikely villager

Emmerdale enthusiasts were seething as Jai Sharma, portrayed by Chris Bisson, decided to partner up with Caleb Milligan (William Ash), cold-shouldering Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) amid their bitter divorce proceedings.

The constant squabbles between newly separated Jai and Laurel have been a staple in recent episodes, but the tensions boiled over during Tuesday's visit to the Dales (August 20), when an astonished Jai learned that Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) intended to step into business with Laurel upon acquiring his shares in The Hop.

Despite Gabby affirming that she would wire the money for Jai's shares, he was caught on a sneaky call with a mysterious individual - now identified as Caleb.

Come Wednesday's instalment (August 21), Jai falsely claimed he was skint during a mediation session about assets with Laurel, despite pocketing cash from her share purchase.

Jai crossed another line demanding a stake in Laurel's property as their divorce degenerated further, reports the Manchester Evening News.

In later scenes, Jai met up with Caleb, who is hot on crafting a venture to challenge Kim Tate's (Claire King) reign at Home Farm, and they confirmed their business deal.

"I'm happy with the warehouse investment", Jai assured Caleb, before adding: "I need to know where the money is going even if the courts don't."

Subsequently, Caleb comforted Jai on the legitimacy of their arrangement, urging: "Keep acting broke."

Following the revelation of Jai's secret stash to Laurel on Emmerdale, social media was abuzz with fans predicting Caleb would double-cross him, and Laurel's inevitable discovery.

One fan took to X, posting: "Just when I thought Jai had played a blinder with Laurel he does the dumbest trick by investing all his hidden assets with Caleb of all people ooh dear never ends in soapland #emmerdale."

Another fan tweeted their disbelief: "Jai is so STUPID! Why the HELL would he trust Caleb? #Emmerdale", while another message read: "Oh that's who Jai going into business with #Emmerdale." (sic).

Hoping for a twist, a viewer commented: "I really hope that Laurel finds a way to turn the tables on Jai the dirty ratbag #Emmerdale".

Critical of Jai's decision, one observer remarked: "Taking advice from Caleb on hiding his cash is 1 thing but having Caleb involved in hiding his money is beyond stupid imo letting a fox into a hen house. #Emmerdale". (sic)

Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:39pm on ITV1 and ITVX