To thicken the plot, Lauren returned to Weatherfield carrying Joel’s child and faced grim circumstances: she was coerced into early labour due to Joel’s cruel act of spiking her with pills.

In a dramatic turn of events, Lauren brought their son Francis into the world prematurely, with the infant now struggling for life in an incubator. In the meantime, determined DS Swain (played by Vicky Myers) is piecing together Lauren’s story and has called for a DNA test on the baby.

But now, DS Swain’s daughter Betsy seems to be courting danger herself by attempting to shake down the nefarious Joel for money. She confronted Joel, taunting him about his predatory ways and even branding him a “perv”.

Betsy’s attempt to extort £1,000 threatening to spill the beans to Joel’s fiancee Dee-Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown) about his attempts to lure young women outside the police station was met with dark consequences. Joel, seething with fury, grabbed Betsy and yanked her into an alleyway to deliver a hair-raising threat, while she struggled to break free in horror, reports the Liverpool Echo.

After witnessing Joel’s egregious conduct, the question looms: Will Betsy become his expose or his next victim?

Coronation Street enthusiasts are speculating that Joel might turn murderous to hide his misdeeds. On X, a fan expressed concern: “Betsy! ! She’s got to be careful now he’s seen what Joel’s capable of hurting her like that.”

Another viewer speculated: “Is anyone else wanting Betsy to be killed off by Joel”, and a third added their voice: “I can see a future storyline of Joel Killing Betsy #Corrie.”

Betsy had a run-in with violent Joel (Image: ITV)

One Corrie watcher suggested a dark twist: “Joel should become the new serial killer and get rid of both Mason and Betsy #Corrie”, while another agreed: “Can Joel off Betsy please she’s annoying.”