In the latest twist of the ITV soap, Joel arrived at the flat where he was housing pregnant Lauren, bearing groceries. He pretended to be concerned about her diet, maintaining the illusion that he cared for her and their unborn child.

Later, while at the police station, Joel was distracted from his duties when Lauren showed up, causing him to fear she was about to reveal his crimes.

However, it transpired that Lauren was only there to retrieve her belongings that the police had confiscated from Roy Cropper upon his arrest, leaving the abuser in a state of panic.

The villain was thrown into turmoil once again after receiving a voice message from his partner Dee-Dee, who told him she had accepted a parcel on his behalf, assuming it was a gift for her.

Joel hurried to their flat to collect the package, but Dee-Dee was confused as to why the parcel was addressed to ‘E.Smith’.

He quickly concocted a story, explaining it was delivered to their address for a client who is a victim of domestic violence, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Dee-Dee remains oblivious to the fact that Lauren Bolton is carrying villain Joel’s baby, or that he attempted to kill her just months prior.

Upon unveiling the contents of the enigmatic parcel, Joel was visibly distraught to find a box of tablets, breaking down in tears as a consequence.

With prior scenes showing Joel delving into methods for inducing premature labour, speculation is ripe that he might endanger the life of his unborn child.

Coronation Street fans recoiled at the implications of Joel’s potentially malevolent scheme, with dismayed viewers taking to social media to voice their unease.

One agitated viewer expressed on Twitter: “Joel gonna poison Lauren and the baby. DeeDee so lucky in love.”