Neighbours - when will Corey Smythe-Jones be caught out?

 The schemer is still manipulating Harlow.

Neighbours has a new villain taking centre stage as Corey Smythe-Jones continues to manipulate Harlow Robinson.

Corey, who was introduced in the show's London-based episodes in March, is currently carrying out an evil masterplan to lure Harlow into the Restoration Order cult.

Harlow's mum Prue Wallace was involved in The Order before she died, and the sinister organisation is hell-bent on continuing the family connection.

Harlow is still oblivious to the fact that she's in any danger, but how long can Corey keep his evil intentions hidden? Here's everything we know at the moment.

The story so far

Tuesday's episode of Neighbours ended on an alarming note, as Corey and his secret accomplice Christabel made plans to hold Harlow and Freya Wozniak hostage for "conversion therapy".

The Order has picked out both Harlow and Freya as perfect new recruits for the cult – and they'll seemingly stop at nothing to bring them on board.

Corey has recently been turning Harlow against her friends and family one by one. Harlow was already in a vulnerable position following the revelation of her affair with Ned Willis, but Corey has also been exerting his control by secretly spiking her drinks with drugs.

Corey now feels under pressure to escalate his plans, as Harlow's uncle David Tanaka has grown suspicious of his behaviour in recent episodes.

Chloe Brennan is also about to start looking into the recent Fashion Week incident, which was engineered by Corey too.

In Wednesday's visit to Ramsay Street, Corey convinces Harlow to come away on an impromptu trip with him. As Harlow heads off, she's unaware that Corey plans for her to never see her family again.

When will Corey Smythe-Jones be caught out?

In next week's episodes, Corey keeps Harlow in a secluded cottage and continues to secretly drug her. Harlow remains unaware that she's in any danger, still believing that Corey is her friend.

Back on Ramsay Street, Freya's recent unease over Christabel's behaviour grows when she spots Harlow's cardigan in her car.

Freya decides to investigate and heads off to the cottage, where she finds Harlow in an addled state due to Corey's drugs.

Before Freya can take any action, Corey violently attacks her, knocking her unconscious.

While Freya is still out cold, Corey ties her up and then prioritises getting Harlow away to a new location.

Freya frees herself and is found by David and Levi Canning. The trio all head off in pursuit of Corey, hoping they can rescue Harlow in time.

There's relief all around when Harlow manages to get away from Corey, but the evil villain manages to flee.

Christabel is brought in for questioning back in Erinsborough, but she denies all knowledge of where Corey could be.

This frustrates Harlow, who understandably wants justice to be served after her ordeal.

What happens next?

Details of what happens beyond next week's episodes are currently being kept under wraps, but it seems unlikely that Neighbours will leave us hanging by not resolving the storyline.

With Corey still out there somewhere, fans will have to stay tuned to see whether he still poses a threat to Harlow – or whether he's the one who should be worried if Harlow manages to turn the tables with her fight for justice.

Neighbours bosses have also confirmed this week that Harlow will be leaving the soap ahead of the show's finale.

Jemma Donovan, who played Harlow, has left Melbourne after filming her final scenes for the show.

This poses the question of whether Harlow will get her happy ending after the danger she has faced with Corey.

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 and streams on My5. In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach and streams on 10 Play.