Coronation Street drops huge clue over who killed Joel in old spoiler photo

Coronation Street has given a hint about the true murderer of Joel Deering, with an old photograph of the suspects providing a potential clue.

Joel, portrayed by Calum Lill, was confirmed dead after his disappearance following the revelation he had tried to kill Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton). Viewers will recall that Lauren was assaulted by a man, later identified as Joel.

Although initially believed to be deceased, Lauren survived the assault and fled. Upon her return to clear Roy Cropper's (David Neilson) name for her disappearance and alleged 'murder', it was disclosed that she was carrying Joel's child.

In an attempt to maintain his secret, he persistently offered her money and 'support' in return for her silence. However, the truth eventually emerged, confirming to all that Joel was responsible for Lauren's attack.

The situation has since reversed, with Joel now being the one found dead. His body was discovered in a river, initially suspected to be a suicide, reports .

However, severe head injuries indicated that he had been murdered - but by who?

DC Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) is heading the investigation after DS Swain (Vicky Myers) was compelled to step aside. Yet, with numerous suspects on his list, he appears no closer to determining who took the law into their own hands and killed Joel.

The list of suspects currently includes the two women closest to Joel - Lauren Bolton and his former fiance Dee-Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling Brown). But could either of them be responsible for Joel's death?

Ronnie (Vinta Morgan) and Mason (Luca Toolan) are also under suspicion, but are they guilty? Ed (Trevor Michael Georges), Dee-Dee's father, is also being questioned.

A flashback scene reveals that Ed and Ronnie left in the night with a crowbar, while another flashback shows Dee-Dee encountering Joel on the tragic night - but did they murder him?

Sharon Marshall, a soap opera expert on This Morning, has suggested that the culprit might be someone else entirely. An old spoiler photo showing four of the suspects - Mason, Ed, Ronnie, and Dee-Dee - standing in a police station has re-emerged, with Sharon implying that the empty seat in the picture could indicate that the real perpetrator is someone unexpected.

Could this be a hint on who really murdered Joel?

*Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.