Emmerdale fans were told this week that unhinged Meena Jutla would soon turn killer, and would murder a village resident next week.
It comes amid speculation she may have killed before, following the suspicious death of her friend Nadine in her past.
But while this news is a shock for fans, actress Paige Sandhu has actually known about the plot since last year.
Her character made her on-screen debut in September 2020, while Paige landed the part months prior.
As soon as she got the part, which is thought to have been a year ago, she was informed of the dark direction her character would be going in.
In fact, she knew immediately before there was any mention or inkling of her being controlling, let alone very dangerous.
Actress Paige wasn’t allowed to tell anyone including her co-stars – even those she works with regularly.
Now the truth is out, with one character having secretly bowed out from the ITV soap in dark scenes to air next week.
Their identity remains a secret for now, but Meena will have absolutely no remorse it seems when one character tragically loses their life.
Speaking of the twist and how long she has known, Paige said: “Yes, I knew from the very beginning where she was going to go and how dark she really is.
“It made it so much more fun to play knowing her secrets and what would unfold later.”
She added: “I found out when I heard I had got the part! It was quite a big shock but I was so up for it!
“When I first started other cast members would often ask me what was going to happen to my character and I had to keep it a secret from everyone.
“I think when they all found out they were very surprised.”
On the fallout, Paige went on: “Really interesting, Meena has zero empathy for the actions that she takes so that has been something different for me to explore.
“She’s not someone who struggles with the guilt and shame of what she did after the fact.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.