ITV Coronation Street's Carla Connor linked to Joel's murder - but fans think she's covering for real killer

Coronation Street fans are speculating about the identity of Joel Deering's killer after Carla Connor was named as a suspect. The ITV soap has linked Carla to the murder mystery, but viewers believe this could be a diversion.

Following the revelation that DS Lisa Swain is also a suspect, some fans think Carla's involvement might indicate she's covering for the real culprit. Despite doubts that Carla would kill Joel, her presence on the suspect list suggests she could be shielding someone else involved in the crime.

In an upcoming episode, Carla will be seen leaving the factory and noticing someone in the darkness. Although it's evident Carla hasn't been truthful about her location when Joel was murdered, is she really guilty?

Teasers for the big reveal hint she could be protecting someone - could she know who killed Joel last month?

Some fans speculate she might be covering for her nephew Bobby Crawford, while others believe DS Swain's daughter Betsy could be the murderer, following threats from Joel, reports the Mirror.

In recent times, Carla has emerged as a trusted confidante to Betsy amid familial tensions, while also becoming a pillar of support for Lisa in navigating the mother-daughter disputes. Speculation is rife among fans that perhaps Betsy might have killed Joel and turned to Carla for assistance, especially considering running to Detective Swain would be out of the question as she's with the police.

Could Carla be concealing Betsy's potential crime? Online theories are swirling; one viewer suggested: "It's clearly gonna be DI Swain's daughter."

Another pondered: "I think Betsy is involved in Joel's murder."

Some even suspect Swain may have murdered Joel to protect her daughter Betsy—that theory might explain the mysterious bruises. And could Carla be the unexpected twist in the tale?

One fan's comment upon Carla being singled out as a suspect was telling: "If you say you're shocked, you're lying to yourself x," while another chimed in with approval: "Carla in her running shoes we love a prepared girlie."