Who plays Maya Stepney in Emmerdale, what else has she starred in and is she leaving the soap?
Emmerdale bosses hinted that Maya could be facing jail so what does that mean for actress Louisa Clein?
MAYA Stepney has only been in Emmerdale since June 2018 but she’s already been involved in one of the biggest soap storylines of the year as she’s groomed and abused teenager Jacob Gallagher.
But what do we know about Louise Clein who plays soap’s most hated woman? Let's get the lowdown...
Who plays Maya Stepney in Emmerdale?
Louise Miranda Clein is an English actress who was born in 1979 in Poole, Dorset.
Her mother is a professional violinist and her sister Natalie is a classical cellist.
Louisa herself was a violinist with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain in 1995-6.
The 39-year-old is a graduate of the Drama Centre London alongside fellow students Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender, Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston.
Louise has made waves as Maya since arriving on Emmerdale - firstly becoming embroiled in a love triangle between David Metcalfe and his wife Tracey.
And then going on to abuse Davis's adopted son Jacob Gallagher.
What else has Louisa Clein appeared in?
In 2001, Louisa made her television debut as Charlie Deed in BBC's legal drama Judge John Deed, a role she remained in for all six series until 2007.
She has since appeared in minor roles in fellow soaps Holby City, Doctors and Casualty.
To date, her only feature film role came in 2010's sci-fi thriller Frost Giant as Shayla Sorensen.
More Emmerdale
Is Louisa Clein leaving Emmerdale?
Maya Stepney is such a horrific villain that there isn’t really any other option but for her to be written out of the soap when she’s eventually caught for abusing Jacob.
Grooming and child abuse are such serious crimes that Emmerdale have a responsibility to make sure Jacob gets justice.
Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks recently told the that they would ensure the storyline is tied up properly, hinting that Maya could end up in prison for her crimes.
She said: “We’ve got a responsibility. A lot of people watch the show, a lot of teenagers watch the show, and also we would never just tell one of these stories lightly.
“We have a duty to make sure the right protocol is carried out, and the right outcome.
"It can make for uncomfortable viewing but I think it’s a really important storyline to tell."
She added: "There’s still a long way to go, it’s not going to be as straightforward as you’d imagine, there’s going to be other obstacles thrown into the mix.
"We want people to be yelling at the TV 'please tell somebody. This is not right! You’re a young lad. please speak out about this'”
Whatever happens, Maya’s days in the village are numbered.
Will she get Judge Rinder to appear in Emmerdale?
Despite being a new recruit herself, Louisa wants to lay down the law by bagging her friend popular TV star Judge Rinder a cameo on the soap.
The long-time friends were first introduced by mutual pal and Hollywood star Benedict Cumberbatch so that she could shadow the telly barrister for her role on Judge John Deed.
He has since introduced her to her now-husband and barrister Jeremy Brier, and he also acted as best man at their wedding.
She told : “Robert has been fantastic. His knowledge of the TV industry is extensive so he’s been helping me through it with fashion tips. He’s always been a rock in my life.
“I’m trying my best to tempt him on to a soap. He’d be great on Emmerdale.”