In a shocking turn of events, Emmerdale fans are still reeling from Joe Absolom’s transformation from the lovable, goofy Al Large of Doc Martin to the scheming and dangerous villain, Ray Walters. Since his debut on Emmerdale earlier this month, Absolom has embraced the role of Ray with a chilling precision, leaving fans in disbelief at how different his character is compared to his previous portrayal of Al. This transformation has been one of the hottest topics among Emmerdale viewers, and it’s safe to say that Absolom’s new role is anything but predictable.

When Ray first arrived in the village, he appeared harmless enough—claiming to be in the business of selling farm machinery. But it didn’t take long for his true motives to emerge. Ray is not just a harmless salesman—he’s deeply involved in the illegal drug trade. His first major dealings were with Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), where he purchased cannabis from Robert’s group of farmers. What was supposed to be a simple business transaction quickly escalated into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, as Ray’s demands for more product put everyone at risk.

Ray’s character, with his smooth charm and manipulative ways, has been the perfect foil for Robert, who has had to contend with his own dark secrets. Ray has shown he’s not afraid to use people to get what he wants, and he’s already employed Dylan Penders (previously introduced as a former addict) to do his bidding. This partnership, born out of Ray’s ruthless need to control and manipulate, has further entrenched him as a dangerous figure in the village.

Fans who remember Joe Absolom from Doc Martin know him as the warm-hearted, goofy Al Large. For many, Al was the friendly and quirky character that brought humor and lightness to the show, so seeing Absolom take on the role of Ray has been a jarring contrast. Ray is anything but friendly—he’s cold, calculating, and ready to do whatever it takes to get ahead. The difference in Absolom’s characters is staggering, and many viewers have taken to social media to express their amazement at his range as an actor. One fan on Facebook remarked, “He was so nice in Doc Martin, completely different here,” while another chimed in, “I can’t believe this is the same Joe Absolom that we used to have!” These reactions highlight just how well Absolom has embraced the darker side of Ray, leaving fans eagerly watching to see what he does next.

As Ray’s storyline progresses, the tension surrounding his illegal dealings and the web of lies he’s spun continues to grow. In one of the most intense moments of the week, Ray confronted Robert, demanding more cannabis after Robert tried to end their business arrangement. Ray’s return to the village with even more dangerous demands signals that his troubles are far from over. His criminal past and his ties to the dangerous underworld will continue to affect the villagers, especially as his dealings with Robert have put a target on the Sugden family.

The latest development also revealed that Ray is not above using force to get what he wants. Dylan, who had previously been drawn into Ray’s world, is caught between a rock and a hard place, forced to help Ray even as he battles with his own moral compass. The sense of fear and uncertainty surrounding Ray’s presence in the village is palpable, and his ability to manipulate others only heightens the danger he represents.

Fans are also beginning to speculate on what Ray’s long-term impact on the village will be. As he continues to manipulate and control, some fans have begun to theorize that Ray could be the source of even more chaos in the coming months. Could Ray’s scheming lead to major confrontations within the village? Will he succeed in driving a wedge between Robert and his family? With his power and influence growing, it’s clear that Ray’s arrival in the Dales is just the beginning of a much darker journey.

The contrast between his previous role as Al Large and his current role as Ray Walters has made Joe Absolom one of the most talked-about actors on Emmerdale. His performance has proven just how versatile he is, and fans are both intrigued and shocked by how he’s playing one of the show’s most complex villains.

As Ray continues to manipulate the people around him, Emmerdale fans will be watching closely to see what’s next for the character. Will his dark schemes unravel, or will he succeed in taking down those who stand in his way? One thing is certain: Ray Walters is here to stay, and his story is far from over. Keep watching Emmerdale for more twists, turns, and jaw-dropping moments as this new villain shakes up the Dales!