Emmerdale’s Ray Walters Set for Surprising Romance with Laurel Thomas — Could It Save Him from His Dark Past?
Emmerdale actor Joe Absolom has dropped a major hint about what’s next for his villainous character Ray Walters, suggesting that a budding connection with Laurel Thomas could be the key to his redemption.
Sparks Fly Between Ray and Laurel
Fans have already picked up on the unexpected chemistry between Ray and Laurel in recent episodes, with flirtatious exchanges hinting at something more beneath the surface. Now, Joe Absolom has confirmed that the ITV soap is exploring the dynamic further — and that Laurel might just be the one person capable of bringing out Ray’s humanity.
Speaking to The Mirror, Joe revealed: “I think when he meets Laurel, there’s something that brings out a side of him he didn’t know existed — but the writers did. It’s more human. He sees her with her kids, her family, and that’s something he never had.”
A Glimpse of the Man Beneath the Villain
Ray’s tragic backstory is beginning to take shape. Abandoned as a child and later adopted by Celia Daniels, he was drawn into her criminal world of manipulation and control from a young age. That upbringing turned him into the cold, calculating man fans see today — a man who recruits teens like April Windsor and Dylan Penders into his County Lines operation.
But Joe believes there’s a spark of hope in Ray yet. “Laurel represents everything he never got — a home, stability, love,” he explained. “She’s got a business, a family, children, and a normal life. That’s attractive to Ray in all sorts of ways.”
For Ray, Laurel could be the mirror that forces him to face the man he’s become. For Laurel, however, the danger is much closer than she realises — she’s unknowingly falling for one of the village’s most dangerous new arrivals.
More Secrets and Familiar Faces
Joe also confirmed that the County Lines plot will soon expand beyond the current core of Celia, Ray, April, and Dylan. “I’m intrigued to see how it comes out because April is a Dingle, and that brings all the family weight with it,” he teased. “I’ve got scenes coming up with Marlon, Rhona, and eventually Cain.”
The warning is clear: as the Dingles and other residents start piecing together what Ray and Celia have been doing, the fallout could be explosive — and Laurel may find herself caught between loyalty, love, and the truth.
“It’s Good to Be Bad”
Despite the darkness surrounding his character, Joe Absolom admits he’s relishing the challenge. “It’s good to be bad,” he laughed. “It’s easier to be snidey and horrible than it is to be happy.”
Still, the actor hinted that Ray’s future isn’t set in stone. Between Celia’s growing instability and Laurel’s influence, fans could soon see Ray pushed to his emotional limits — forced to choose between power and the possibility of redemption.