Emmerdale stars warn 'lots of danger' ahead as 'scary' new villain Ray debuts

There's horror and danger on the way on Emmerdale in the coming weeks, as "scary" new villain Ray makes his mark.

Actor Joe Absolom debuts on the ITV soap next week, but soon enough his real agenda is exposed - and there's trouble on the way. Initially there is a false claim about who he is and why he arrives, before he gets Mackenzie Boyd on side.

But no one is aware of Ray's dark nature and what he's truly capable of until it's too late. A number of characters will get caught up in Ray's criminal world it seems, as he sets his sights on the weed that Lewis Barton and brother Ross have been growing at the farm.

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Lewis actor Bradley Riches and Ross actor Mike Parr both teased the drama ahead, while Natalie J Robb, who plays Moira Dingle, hinted Ray would bring trouble to her character's farm. Moira will no doubt be dragged into the chaos as Ray's presence, and that of another new character, farmer Celia, brings "danger" and mayhem to her door.

Mike said of actor Joe's casting: "I grew up watching that guy. One of my friends was also up for the part and I wanted to support him, but when I found out Joe had got it I knew he would be good. It's good, it's exciting."

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Bradley then teased what fans can expect from the villain. He told us: "He's scary, and somehow Lewis thinks he can suss him out." Mike added: "He’s very still, it's his eyes."

Natalie also had her say, before hinting that Moira's brother Mackenzie could be at risk. She told us: "He is good. It's all in the eyes. He's very menacing and very scary. There is going to be a lot of danger, but it's good. It's shaken it up a bit."

Bradley teased "hustle and bustle in the village", while Natalie teased how her character would get involved with the dark plot. She said: "We are gonna be seeing some problems on the farm again and people trying to snatch things from Moira.

"So it is how the family will come together and try to put the pieces together." Bradley added: "What’s gonna save the day with the farm? Who knows."

Natalie also remained coy over what's ahead for Moira and new farmer Celia, but she hinted some secret drama. She shared: "Ooh, they’re gonna be rivals but they’re not gonna appear to be that way..."

Spoilers announced the debut of Celia and Ray would both air next week as their storylines kick off. Celia features in drama with Paddy Dingle, as a dog attack leaves him fighting for his life.

As for Ray, he meets with Mack, Lewis and Ross next week and soon there's a mystery as Lewis' weed is stolen and Mack is blamed. Meanwhile, actorJoe told The Mirror all about his dark new storyline in a recent interview.

Emmerdale fans will watch Joe’s character Ray claiming to be an old “associate” of Mack, who wants to sell some farm machinery. But it soon becomes clear Ray is more interested in the crops – or drugs – Mack is growing in the fields, than he is in tractors.

Quickly realising the drugs’ value, he makes Mack an offer he can’t refuse, then recruits April and Dylan to drop the drugs off for him. Joe says: “It’s so exciting to be a part of such a meaty plot line like this.

"With drugs involved, it’s like Emmerdale Breaking Bad! And it’s great to be playing someone who will definitely be ruffling a few feathers. I’m a few weeks in now, but I am really enjoying it. This isn’t work! To play someone like Ray is so much fun."

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads.