Grim.
Maya’s abuse took an insidious turn during tonight’s episode of Emmerdale as the teacher turned to psychological manipulation to continue her grooming of student Jacob.
The 15-year-old had sent his teacher and dad’s girlfriend a picture of his chest in the hopes of impressing her.
However, upon seeing the photo, Maya found the whole situation quite childlike. She began questioning whether Jacob was “mature” enough to handle a relationship with her – the optimum answer here being ‘no’ because he is 15.
Jacob then decided to send Maya a far more explicit photo in the hopes of somehow showing her that he is mature enough to continue their affair.
Unfortunately for Jacob, his photo almost ends up in the wrong hands as David’s young daughter gets a hold of Maya’s phone and starts playing with it.
Maya snatches the phone back before she can be caught out, later telling Jacob that she deleted the photo right away and that he needs to stop being so “careless.”
Her sternness doesn’t last long though because towards the end of the episode, she was stroking his face and telling him that all the secrecy was “worth it.”
Emmerdale viewers were, as always, incredibly uncomfortable with the scenes and many took to Twitter to wonder when the harrowing grooming storyline would come to an end.
But then whatever would you complain about, guys?
Jacob and Maya #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/Wp4zOBGC00
— Lauren (@geordiecaldwell) January 16, 2019
Maya makes me furious. I can’t take her. #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/UIxA2a4wLt
— LauraH (@Laurahallissey) January 16, 2019
Jacob and maya are creeping me right out! Make it stop ✋ @emmerdale #Emmerdale
— Angela (@AngelaM055) January 16, 2019
Others, however, praised the soap for their portrayal of an issue that does, unfortunately, happen more frequently that many of us might realise.
As much as this Maya&Jacob storyline is so uncomfortable to watch on screen & makes you feel you need to switch off that unfortunately it happens in reality & that’s what #emmerdale is doing its best at raising awareness about important issues such as grooming @emmerdale ????
— Miss_Irvin (@Beekahirv94) January 16, 2019
I don’t think you’d be considered normal if you were comfortable with the Jacob and Maya plotline.
Maya is not a character who we viewers are supposed to enjoy. She’s there to eventually be made an example of. Keep watching and stop moaning. #Emmerdale #Maya— ? (@birdzwatcher) January 16, 2019
I haven't been watching Emmerdale but I hope to god they're portraying this Jacob/Maya storyline for the predatory pish it is
— tommy sunlight ☀️ (@miracleofmind) January 16, 2019
Emmerdale continues on Virgin Media One at 7pm.