The key to ending evil Joel Deering is confirmed as shocking evidence is found in Coronation Street

With evil Joel Deering’s (Calum Lill) Coronation Street exit edging ever closer, the soap has hinted at new evidence that could spark his long-awaited downfall.

The sinister solicitor, who has groomed and abused young girls including local teen Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton), currently thinks he has got away with his crimes after DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) was unable to pin enough on him to get a charge to stick.

However, Lisa, Lauren and Joel’s ex-fiancée Dee-Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown) have made it their mission to try and bring him down.

They get a massive breakthrough next week when Joel’s old work phone throws up some new clues.

As fans know, last week saw Dee-Dee visit Joel’s old firm Walcotts, who specialise in helping vulnerable young people. While his old boss insisted he was an ‘exemplary’ employee, a less-convinced receptionist handed Dee-Dee an old work phone once belonging to Joel.

After passing it to Lisa, the DS pulled in a favour from a mate in IT to do some covert investigations on his previous communications.

In forthcoming scenes, Lisa informs Dee-Dee she’s uncovered some incriminating text exchanges with a female and vows to follow up.

DS Swain enlists the help of police colleague Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) to help track the contact down, but swears him to secrecy, warning they could lose their jobs if anyone finds out.

Craig manages to find the address of the woman – called Ellie – but will she be willing to talk to Lisa?

And will the text messages give Swain the vital evidence she needs to bring Joel to justice?