Emmerdale is gearing up for some high-octane drama as Manpreet Sharma believes she’s about to confront her blackmailer.

In the latest episode of ITV’s new series, Off Script… Coronation Street and Emmerdale hosted by Kelvin and Liz Fletcher, viewers were given a sneak peek of the tense encounter.

Manpreet recently revealed to Ella Forster that she’d fallen victim to blackmail following her decision to share photographs on a subscription site.

The first look scenes show Manpreet approaching the supposed culprit with a large sum of money in hand, forcefully saying: “There you go, fill your boots, it’s all there and don’t expect another penny because I haven’t got it!”

The camera then reveals Joe Tate, who appears baffled by the situation, responding: “I literally just walked up here and you’re offering me money?”, reports Leeds Live.

A defiant Manpreet tells him: “I’m doing what you asked me to do now leave me alone!” but Joe remains adamant that he hasn’t done such a thing, stating: “I didn’t ask for anything, I just come here sometimes for peace and quiet… won’t be doing that anymore!”

Despite this, Manpreet presses on, accusing him: “Can we stop with the games, you’ve been blackmailing me!” to which Joe counters her claim, saying: “I barely know you, why would I do that?”

Amidst their exchange, a blue pick-up truck speeds past in the background causing Manpreet to question, bewildered: “Is it really not you?”

Discussing the tantalising first glimpse on the vodcast, ex-Emmerdale actor Kelvin, formerly known for his role as Andy Sugden, remarked: “Oh, well whoever it is, they’ve got a blue pick up, they’ve got a blue pick up! Who do we know who’s got a blue pick up?”

This follows a scene where Ella urged Manpreet to delete her account. However, moments after deactivating, the blackmailer texted again stating: “Deleting your profile won’t make a difference” and sent screenshots of her account, adding: “One word to the police and everyone will know your secret.”

On Wednesday evening, Manpreet’s anxiety over the blackmailer escalated when she had lunch with Ella in the village and received a text from her tormentor warning that they were watching her.

Soap fans have grown suspicious of Ella, particularly given her criminal history, but some viewers have noted that all the texts so far were sent while Ella was seated next to Manpreet, seemingly excluding her from the blackmail allegations.

Other potential culprits include Tracy Metcalfe, who is short of money, and Billy Fletcher… but could Joe now be under suspicion?