HAS LYING JAI LOST LAUREL?

Jai’s decision to take out a loan in his partner’s name backfires badly, says Emmerdale star Chris Bisson

Jai’s desperate bid to avoid bankruptcy and homelessness backfires spectacularly in Emmerdale this week when his dad collapses and his relationship with Laurel hits the rocks.

A row between Jai and his sister devastates Rishi, who’s rushed to hospital clutching his chest. Meanwhile his partner Laurel refuses to forgive Jai when she discovers he’s taken out a massive loan in her name.

Behind it all are Jai’s reckless attempts to pay off his share of the £100,000 fine over the adventure challenge disasters, and Kim’s threat to turf them out of Mulberry Cottage.

Chris Bisson, who plays Jai, says, ‘Until now, it’s been about money and business. Jai’s so single-minded he’s not very considerate of others. But when lives are put in danger and relationships are ended because of what he’s done, reality hits home and Jai’s absolutely devastated.’

Disaster one is Rishi’s health scare which comes as Jai tells him and Priya that they should sell Holdgate. ‘Jai’s mortified when Priya tells him it’s probably because of Jai’s actions,’ says former Corrie star Chris, who’s 46 and from Manchester.

There’s more turmoil when Laurel suggests asking the bank for a mortgage so they can buy their home from Kim. What she doesn’t know is that Jai previously forged a bank loan in her name. ‘Laurel thinks his anxiety is about the commitment of buying a home together, not that the house of cards is about to fall,’ says Chris. ‘He’s panicked and playing for time, hoping for a miracle.’

But it doesn’t happen and Laurel is told she can’t get a mortgage due to the recent large loan they say she took out. ‘With the fraud team involved and maybe the police, Jai realises the game is up,’ Chris says. ‘He now has to admit what he’s done and face the consequences…’

Laurel tells him that, although she still loves him, she just can’t forgive him. ‘I don’t know if they can come back from this,’ concedes Chris.

Chris also hints that a reckoning between Jai and Kim could be on the cards. ‘I can’t go too much into the fallout from this storyline, but she’s about to take their house away and so there’s animosity.

‘Business-wise, Jai will feel he wants the upper hand and not let Kim win. A big head-to-head battle for power, control and success would be great to play.’