has aired a sinister cliffhanger for Lauren Bolton after received a mysterious package.

Joel has been trying to keep his from discovering that he’s the father of Lauren’s unborn child by agreeing to secretly support the expectant mother.

It looked as if Joel’s secret was going to be exposed during Wednesday’s (July 31) episode when Dee Dee intercepted a package that had been sent to him.

Dee Dee assumed it must be a gift for her, but was confused to see it was addressed to “E. Smith”. Later, Joel was horrified by a voice note from Dee Dee letting him know about the package.

Joel rushed back from Lauren’s flat to prevent Dee Dee from opening the package, managing to get to her before she figured out what was inside.

The villain made up a story about how the package belonged to a vulnerable client whose spouse was opening up her mail.

Dee Dee and Michael accepted Joel’s explanation and even praised him for looking out for this vulnerable woman’s best interests.

Joel managed to get away with the package, then dropped by Lauren’s flat to tell her it was “all systems go” on her plan to move away.

After he’d left Lauren’s flat, the solicitor opened up his mysterious parcel to reveal labour-inducing pills — with viewers then watching him breathe a sigh of relief.

The soap has already confirmed that will feature harrowing scenes as Lauren doubles over in pain and worries she’s losing her baby.