Emmerdale’s Joe Absolom Reveals Ray’s Struggle for Control

Joe Absolom, known for his role as Ray Walters on the popular soap opera Emmerdale, has hinted at a significant shift in his character’s storyline, suggesting Ray is losing control over Dylan and April amid escalating tensions. Since Absolom’s debut on the show earlier this year, viewers have been captivated by Ray’s manipulative tactics, which include coercing the two young characters into drug runs under the pretense of repaying a substantial debt.

The plot thickened recently when it was revealed that Celia Daniels, Ray’s mother, is the true mastermind behind the drug operation. This revelation has added a new layer of complexity to the story, showcasing Ray’s fear and hesitance around his mother as she directs him on how to handle the situation with Dylan and April. As the narrative unfolds, Ray’s grip on the situation appears to be slipping, raising questions about his ability to maintain control over the young recruits.

In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, Absolom expressed his enjoyment in portraying a character with a darker edge. He stated, “It’s good to be evil. It’s good to be a little bit snidey. It’s easier to be horrible than it is to be happy.” He acknowledged Ray’s troubled background, noting, “I think he’s had a bit of a troubled life. He’s got an interesting setup with his mum, and when he comes to Emmerdale village, he finds characters that challenge that.”

As the plot develops, upcoming episodes will see Dylan insisting on a public handover, provoking Ray’s ire as he reminds Dylan of his priorities. Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Carter becomes involved after questioning another character, Kev, and inadvertently disrupts Ray’s plans. When Ray discards the backpack containing drugs given to him by Dylan, he unknowingly leaves it behind, setting the stage for further conflict.

Ray’s authority is challenged not only by the police presence but also by the assertiveness of characters like Vinny and Lewis, who push back against Ross’s dominating behavior. As the storyline progresses, Ray’s attempts to reclaim his stolen rucksack lead to tension-filled encounters with both Dylan and April.

The stakes rise as Dylan, feeling the pressure of Ray’s demands, devises a plan to steal from Vinny’s keys to Dale View. Simultaneously, Ray pressures April to meet a mysterious figure, leaving her feeling conflicted and trapped. As April and Dylan plot their escape, they receive a video message from Ray, igniting further uncertainty about their future.

Absolom noted the pivotal moment when Ray realizes he may be losing control over Dylan and April, hinting at a desperate turn in his character’s actions. He explained, “It’s a real moment where he realises he’s maybe losing a grip on these two people, and then he has to now take it to a different level.” This raises the stakes for Ray, who risks losing everything in his quest to regain power over the situation.

Emmerdale continues to air weekdays at 19:30 on ITV1 and is available for streaming on ITVX. As viewers eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama, questions linger about whether April and Dylan will escape Ray’s grasp or fall deeper into his web of manipulation.