Coronation Street spoilers follow from Wednesday's episode (November 20), which is available to watch now on streaming service ITVX but hasn't yet aired on ITV1.
Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicidal thoughts.
Coronation Street has aired Lauren Bolton's latest devastating setback as the Joel Deering death storyline continues.
The troubled teenager was arrested for murder in Wednesday's episode as the police found out about Max Turner's bold plan to take the blame for her.
Last week, Corrie confirmed that Lauren was responsible for delivering the fatal blow that killed Joel.
Lauren initially stayed out of trouble when Max made a false confession to protect her, but the cover-up plan now appears to be in tatters.
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In Wednesday's tense episode, Lauren struggled to carry on with the deception as she worried about Max's wellbeing in prison.
Lauren was concerned when she learned that Shona's jailed son Clayton Hibbs had recently attempted to end his own life.
Fearful that Max could face similar dark times, Lauren broke down and tipped off Shona with the real story. She also handed over the note from Max, in which he'd explained his plans to take the fall.
With her loyalty to her family coming first, Shona shared her knowledge and the letter with her husband David, who immediately went to the police.
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As Lauren was hauled in for questioning, she initially tried out a second cover story in the hope that it would clear both her and Max.
Lauren claimed she witnessed Joel strangling Max and could back up Max's argument of killing the villain in self-defence. However, DC Kit Green played his ace card by pulling out the note from Max, which David had handed over earlier.
This forced Lauren to make a full confession, but Kit warned that it still might not be enough to free Max.
He pointed out: "Whichever one of you killed Joel, you're both clearly guilty of perverting the course of justice. You do know what will happen next? We'll interview Max again and you will be charged with murder."
When Lauren asked if she'd lose her access to her baby son Frankie, Kit replied: "I can't make any promises, Lauren. You killed a man."
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
