Manpreet Sharma (played by Rebecca Sarker) has set tongues wagging as fans believe they've cracked the mystery of her anonymous blackmailer.
The soap's much-loved GP has been noticeably tethered to her phone, raising eyebrows in the village. During Friday's episode, after being questioned by colleague Ella (Paula Lane), Manpreet made a shocking confession: "I think I am being blackmailed."
Ella, befuddled, enquired about the blackmailer's leverage, prompting an embarrassed Manpreet to admit to her risque online activity: "I have been posting photos of myself online."
A flustered exchange ensues as Manpreet dodges specifics but implies they are intimate images.
She speculates on the devastating fallout should these images circulate publicly: "Imagine it, Ella, if it gets out? Online, in the local newspaper all about the dodgy doc who gets her kit off. I can kiss any hero status goodbye," reports .
Despite Ella's advice leading to the deletion of Manpreet's profile, the ominous messages persisted, including threats such as: "One word to the police and everyone will know your secret. I'll be in touch."
As the episode ended, a distraught Manpreet lamented, "Who is doing this to me?"
Speculation is rife among fans on social media platforms, with widespread chatter pointing fingers toward characters like Joe Tate or perhaps even Ella herself.
A curious viewer posted on a fan page: "I wonder who's stalking Manpreet."
"Joe," another fan replied, while a third chimed in: "Ella, it makes sense."
"I reckon Ella or Brenda, leading up to their exits," speculated a fourth.
Offering a different perspective, someone else posited that it could involve Manpreet's notorious sister, Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu), with one supporter saying: "I heard Meena was coming back."
Another enthusiast hinted at Tracy Metcalfe (Amy Walsh) as the possible suspect, commenting on social media, "Tracy, she is desperate for cash," after witnessing the incriminating scene involving Manpreet's phone at the shop.
Emmerdale is available to watch on ITVX.
