Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) recently returned to Coronation Street in a huge shock twist,

after viewers were left believing that she had been murdered by Joel Deering (Calum Lill).

Joel beat Lauren and left her for dead, but it later transpired that she had survived

and gone into hiding, fearing for her life.

While she was away, Roy Cropper (David Neilson) was charged with her murder, and she was sure to return and apologise for everything she’d put him through.

However, this meant that Joel was able to find her, and he was in for a huge shock when she revealed that she was pregnant with his baby.

Since their encounter, Joel has once again taken control of Lauren’s life, by giving her a flat to stay in while he plans a way for her to get out of Weatherfield and start a new life in Ireland.

In upcoming scenes he grows even more controlling after a worrying encounter that leaves Lauren terrified.

During a visit to the precinct, Lauren is left shaken when she is mugged, though friend Max Turner (Paddy Bever) is there to comfort her.

‘If you asked me months back how Lauren would respond to being mugged I’d say she would completely kick off and fight back,’ actress Lauren Fitton revealed.

‘There’s probably an urge to still do that but Lauren as we see her at the moment is in fact vulnerable, with no support unit, and she is also pregnant. So now she is no longer in survival mode for her own safety but also her child’s.’

Back at the flat, Joel feigns concern himself, but in reality he is plotting a way to get rid of her for good.

Later, alone in the flat, Lauren is left terrified as she doubles over in pain, clutching her stomach.

‘Lauren is terrified, she has no idea what’s happening,’ Cait explained. ‘She’s never been through this before like any soon to be parent.

‘It is terrifying for her, especially because she’s on her own when this happens and it’s so early. This is not the way it’s meant to be.’

After tracking her to the flat, Max bangs on the door, and Lauren is quick to call out that she is terrified she may be losing the baby.