Emmerdale’s latest arrival, Ray, has sent shockwaves through the village, and he’s only just begun. Played by the seasoned Joe Absolom—known for his iconic role as Matthew Rose in EastEnders—Ray is no ordinary newcomer. Absolom, who has also starred in Doc Martin and The Bay, brings a chilling edge to this charismatic yet dangerous character. Unlike his wrongfully accused EastEnders persona, Ray is a calculated manipulator, stepping into Emmerdale as a villain with big plans. His arrival marks the start of a dark and gripping storyline that’s set to unravel the lives of some of the village’s most beloved characters.
Ray’s introduction was anything but subtle. Within his first episode, he orchestrated a deal with Robert Sugden to get his hands on Louis Barton’s hidden stash of weed. This wasn’t a one-off scheme—Ray’s here to stay, and he’s got his sights set on much more than a quick score. Under the guise of selling farm machinery, he’s laying the groundwork for a larger operation. Producer Laura Shaw describes Ray as charming and likable on the surface, but with a sinister edge that emerges fast. Absolom himself hinted at Ray’s ambitions, stating, “He’s here to exploit the drug stash and build something bigger in Emmerdale.” With cash to burn and a calm demeanor, Ray’s presence spells trouble.
The stakes get personal with the return of Dylan Penders, April Windsor’s friend who’s fresh out of rehab. Dylan’s troubled past makes him an easy target for Ray’s manipulations. Absolom revealed that Ray quickly takes an interest in Dylan, using his mysterious wealth to draw him in. Fred Kettle, who plays Dylan, teased that his character’s return brings unresolved issues, making him vulnerable to Ray’s influence. Will Dylan resist, or will Ray’s promises pull him back into a dangerous world? The tension is palpable, and it’s only a matter of time before it boils over.
April Windsor, played by Amelia Flanagan, is also at risk. Her loyalty to Dylan could drag her into Ray’s orbit. Absolom’s scenes with Flanagan suggest Ray’s influence will extend to the village’s younger residents, creating a worrying mix of teenage vulnerability and criminal intent. April’s no stranger to hardship, but facing a predator like Ray could push her into uncharted territory. Can she see through his facade, or will her efforts to help Dylan lead her into a trap?
Beyond the drama, Ray’s storyline tackles a serious issue: county lines drug dealing. This real-world problem, where urban criminals exploit vulnerable people—often teens—to sell drugs in rural areas, is woven into the narrative. Ray’s operation starts small, but as Absolom noted, it’s poised to grow, ensnaring characters like Dylan and April. By addressing this issue, Emmerdale delivers both compelling drama and a stark reflection of a societal crisis. Ray’s arrival is no mere plot twist; it’s the start of a storm that could devastate the village. Who will stop him before it’s too late?
