Fans of Emmerdale have found themselves irritated by Laurel Thomas as she continues to make life more difficult for Ruby, Aaron and all involved in the murder of Anthony Fox. Laurel thought herself responsible for Anthony’s disappearance after belting him when he attacked Nicola in a self-righteous rage.

She and Nicola got the wrong end of the (candle)stick after he subsequently disappeared. She thought she’d inadvertently killed the old man, but the truth was far stranger than that – Ruby had (‘vertently) finished Anthony off after he’d been given a pasting by Aaron.

Laurel confesses to attacking Anthony in Emmerdale

Believing that she and Nicola were responsible for his disappearance, Laurel has been struggling with her guilt ever since. This almost led her to relapsing, even buying a bottle of booze to cope. She managed to resist drinking again, but this couldn’t assuage her feelings on the matter.

Ruby revealed the truth of the situation to Aaron last night, but that didn’t help Laurel’s conscience any. While Aaron, Ruby and Caleb got to the bottom of things, Laurel handed herself into the police.

To many, this was the final straw.

Emmerdale fans slam Laurel as she confesses to the police

As last night’s episode aired, fans took to social media to share their dismay at Laurel’s behaviour – a distraction from the more pressing matter of Ruby‘s abuse and the subsequent murder.

“This Laurel/Nicola part of this storyline feels like such an unnecessary addition!!!” wrote one frustrated fan.

“In true Emmerdale fashion, they have turned the focus on laurel and Aaron in RUBYS storyline,” said another.

“Laurel, Anthony walked or should I say staggered out of your house alive, why would you think he’s dead – he is, I know but these Nico and Laurel feel shoehorned and completely unneeded!” wrote a third.

“Laurel is getting on my nerves,” a fourth agreed.

The soap seems to be struggling with what to do with Laurel at the moment. Has her inclusion in this particular story been a misstep?