Get ready, Emmerdale fans, because a sinister new threat is about to descend upon the village, and young April Windsor is firmly in its sights! Former EastEnders star Joe Absolom is joining the cast as the charming yet terrifying newcomer, Ray, whose dark intentions promise to unleash a county lines drug storyline that will put some of your most loved characters in grave danger.
A Seemingly Innocent Arrival: Ray’s Deceptive Front
Ray will make his first appearance in the coming weeks, initially introduced as an old acquaintance of Mackenzie Boyd’s. He presents himself as a legitimate businessman, claiming to be in the village to sell agricultural machinery. However, this seemingly innocent front is a carefully crafted facade designed to hide his true, menacing agenda.
County Lines and Child Exploitation: Ray’s True Colors Exposed
Speaking at the 2025 British Soap Awards, Joe Absolom himself revealed the chilling truth about his character: “Ray turns up and he likes to sell the leaves, drugs, and it’s a bit of a county lines idea.” But the horror doesn’t stop there. Absolom added to Radio Times that Ray will directly target the village’s vulnerable youth. “I actually get kids, April and Dylan, to work for me and to pay them cash. It’s quite good fun.” This shocking revelation confirms that Ray will not only be dealing drugs but actively exploiting young residents, pulling them into his dangerous schemes.
A Charismatic Villain: More Than Meets the Eye
Producers have teased that there’s much more to Ray than his initial charming demeanor suggests. Despite his cool and composed exterior, a threatening and villainous side of his character is set to come to the forefront very quickly. Producer Laura Shaw expressed excitement about Joe Absolom joining the cast, highlighting his talent and the complexity of Ray. “Charming, charismatic, and effortlessly likable, Ray is an extremely complex character who very quickly shows his dark and villainous side to some of our most loved villagers, leaving them in no doubt as to what he’s capable of.”
Joe Absolom: From Walford to the Dales
Joe Absolom is a familiar face to many soap fans, having risen to prominence as Matthew Rose in the BBC’s EastEnders from 1997 to 2000. He’s also known for his extensive work across television, stage, and film, including roles in hits like Doc Martin, The Bay, and most recently as Braden Moore in Code of Silence. Now, he’s swapping Albert Square for the picturesque, yet soon-to-be-darkened, Yorkshire Dales.
Expressing his excitement about his new role, Absolom stated, “Well, what an honor to join such a talented team at Emmerdale. It’s an iconic show and I’m grateful to be part of it. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Ray!”
The Stakes Are High: April in Peril
The introduction of Ray and his sinister county lines operation promises to plunge Emmerdale into a dark and dangerous storyline, with the exploitation of young characters like April and Dylan at its core. How will the villagers react when they discover the true nature of Ray’s business? Will April and Dylan be able to escape his clutches, or will they be dragged deeper into a world of crime and danger? And can anyone stand up to Ray before he causes irreversible damage to the village’s innocent youth? This storyline is set to be one of Emmerdale’s most chilling and impactful yet.
