Coronation Street fans 'work out' true identity of dead body as Joel Deering 'is still alive'

Coronation Street fans are convinced that Joel Deering is still alive and reckon they have worked out the real identity of the dead body that was found

Fans of Coronation Street believe that Joel Deering, played by Calum Lill, is still alive despite the recent storyline suggesting otherwise.

The character, known for his history of grooming and abusing young women, disappeared from the show after his crimes were exposed. Despite being arrested last month, he was released on bail and seemingly fled Weatherfield.

However, a recent twist in the plot revealed that Joel had been murdered, sparking a whodunnit mystery on the cobbles. In Monday's episode (October 14), three characters discovered a body floating in a river.

Corrupt police officer Kit, portrayed by Jacob Roberts, later informed DS Lisa Swain, played by Vicky Myers, that the body was identified as Joel's. The news was swiftly relayed to Joel's ex-partner, Dee-Dee Bailey, played by Channique Sterling-Brown, and previous victim, Lauren.

Kit later disclosed to Lauren that the post-mortem results indicated Joel was dead before entering the river, leading to a murder investigation. Coronation Street enthusiasts are abuzz with speculation that Joel, a character presumed dead in the storyline, could indeed be very much alive, resulting in a jaw-dropping plot twist.

Echoing their theories on social media, some viewers suspect that Joel might have a secret twin who is unknown to everyone else in the soap opera, reports the Liverpool Echo. Fans suggest that Joel may have murdered his lookalike sibling, hence the DNA match, allowing him to flee without pursuit.

Sharing speculations on a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, one viewer theorised: "How about a twin who he kills to stop people looking for him so he can kidnap Frankie, a thought," In response, another added: "Funnily enough that thought passed my mind when people suggested he might not be dead. Would be a twist and explain DNA matching."

Yet another observer raised doubts about Kit, a character in the show, who had identified the body. They wrote: "Either that or Kit identified the body saying it was him but it isn't." Further adding fuel to the speculative fire, another fan conjectured: "Wouldn't be surprised if he had a twin." While a different user speculated: "Could Joel be a twin."

On another platform, an individual deliberated: "Kit is covering up. The body isn't Joel. He's falsified the ID paperwork. All part of a much bigger crime ring involving young girls. They've helped Joel escape. Bet he comes back at Christmas to steal Lauren's baby."

Intrigued fans are also piecing together potential clues regarding the identity of the real victim. They propose that the deceased might be Logan (Harry Lowbridge), who plays the brother of Mason Radcliffe (portrayed by Luca Toolan) on the show.

One viewer speculated: "I don't think the body is Joel. I have a feeling it's Mason's brother. Kit is working for Joel, I don't trust Kit he is a bent copper. He's up to something," with another fan sharing the same sentiment, replying: "Same here."

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX