Emmerdale fans are certain that Celia Daniels is being manipulated by a recognisable villain as her drugs scheme spirals into increasingly sinister territory.

Viewers of the ITV drama are well aware that April Windsor, portrayed by Amelia Flanagan, has become entangled in a County Lines drug trafficking plot after being drawn in by Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and his mother Celia (Jaye Griffiths).

Friday’s episode (October 17) delivered a chilling sequence when April prepared for an arranged meeting with a customer called Tim to hand over narcotics at a hotel – a rendezvous orchestrated by Ray.

Whilst transporting April to the venue, the calculating Ray issued an ominous warning that Tim would anticipate her remaining in his hotel room following the drug handover, telling her: “I need this to go right, kid, reputation is everything.”

Teenager April made her way to Tim’s hotel room and delivered a package containing cocaine, with the predator attempting casual conversation whilst the schoolgirl appeared petrified and desperate to escape, reports Belfast Live.

However, Tim urged April to remain with him longer, and it quickly became apparent that this twisted individual had far more sinister intentions beyond a simple drug transaction.

The creep then attempted to coerce April into sampling the substances alongside him, and when she refused, Tim suggested it would get her “in the mood”.

As the menacing Tim moved closer to the terrified April on the bed, he described her as “pretty” whilst stroking her hair and remarking: “Carrying a lot of tension in those shoulders though, love.”

After Tim tried to give April a neck massage, she declared her change of heart about taking drugs, prompting him to leave to fetch them. Seizing the opportunity, April made a dash for it, later crossing paths with Celia.

The drug lord laid down the law, insisting that April must follow orders to settle her hefty debt incurred from losing Ray’s narcotics – all part of a cunning plan to rope April into her criminal enterprise.

Meanwhile, Dawn Fletcher (Olivia Bromley) bared her soul to her partner Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), sharing her own harrowing past. She confessed to being lured into a life of drugs and sexual exploitation.

Drawing stark comparisons to April’s current plight, Dawn reflected on her past ordeals and emphasised her steadfast dedication to safeguarding her daughter, Clemmie (Mabel Addison).

Initially, Joe was hesitant to delve into Dawn’s distressing history, but later comforted his girlfriend, assuring her that he “loved her”.

However, Emmerdale viewers are speculating that Joe is the kingpin of the drug ring managed by Celia, given his previous involvement in getting the local farmer entangled in one of his schemes.

The entrepreneur hasn’t been shy about flaunting his wealth, recently proposing to foot the bill for Clemmie’s private schooling, costing a whopping £20,000 per term.

One viewer took to Facebook, posing the question: “As Joe was controlling Celia, not so long ago, who else thinks he might be the mastermind behind the drugs ring?”.

Another responded: “That would not surprise me one bit he has no scruples ..And he has to get his money from somewhere.”

A second viewer speculated: “Absolutely and I think that will be the thing that ends him and Dawn. Her battle with drugs and it being around the kids x.”

A third chimed in: “Yes maybe that’s why Joe doesn’t want to know dawns past.”