The Truth Behind Celia’s Dark Turn

When Jaye Griffiths joined Emmerdale as Celia Daniels, fans were promised an antagonist — and she’s delivered that in spades. From her dog’s attack on Paddy Kirk to exploiting Moira Dingle’s financial troubles, Celia quickly established herself as one of the soap’s most manipulative new arrivals.

But the recent bombshell — that Celia is secretly the mastermind behind Ray Walters and the County Lines drug ring entangling young April Windsor — has taken her villainy to chilling new heights.

And according to Griffiths, viewers haven’t seen anything yet.

“That’s Not Even the Worst Thing She Does”

Speaking on Loose Women, Griffiths revealed that the terrifying threats Celia made toward Ray are just a glimpse of what’s to come. “That’s not even the worst thing she does, especially to him,” she teased. “It’s gonna get worse.”

The actress admitted she’s been surprised by how polite the public has been toward her so far — though she expects that to change once Celia’s next cruel act airs, particularly after the character’s shocking slap to teenager April Windsor.

Embracing the Darkness

Despite Celia’s despicable behavior, Griffiths confessed she’s relishing every moment of playing the soap’s latest villain. “I love her,” she said. “It’s so great — you just let go of any conscience, any empathy, and just turn it all off. It’s so liberating.”

It’s a sentiment many actors who play villains can relate to: the thrill of exploring moral extremes, free from the limits of everyday decency.

Praise for Her Co-Stars

Griffiths also reflected on her chemistry test with Emmerdale veteran Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy Kirk. Their screen test — a four-and-a-half-minute improvised scene — proved pivotal in landing her the role. “He gave me all of his lunch hour,” she recalled. “He never once rolled his eyes or sighed. He made me feel immense. That’s him — just giving, supportive, brilliant.”

What’s Next for Celia Daniels?

If Griffiths’ hints are anything to go by, Celia’s story is far from over — and her reign of manipulation in the Dales may only just be beginning. With her true nature now exposed and her control over Ray tightening, Emmerdale fans should brace for a darker, even more dangerous phase in Celia’s arc.