Emmerdale viewers are bracing for heartbreak as long-time favourite Laurel Thomas may be heading for a devastating end. The latest episodes have set the stage for a dark turn, with fans convinced that Laurel could become the next victim of dangerous newcomer Ray Walters and his menacing mother, Celia Daniels.

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Laurel’s New Romance Raises Red Flags

Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) has been a beloved fixture in Emmerdale since 2002, enduring some of the show’s most emotional storylines — from her struggles with addiction to the tragic death of her husband Ashley Thomas (John Middleton). But her latest plot may be her most perilous yet.

Recently, Laurel has struck up a surprising connection with Ray Walters (Joe Absolom), unaware that he’s a ruthless drug dealer who, alongside his adoptive mother Celia (Jaye Griffiths), has been exploiting vulnerable teens including April Windsor and Dylan Penders.

On Thursday’s episode (November 6), viewers watched as Laurel and Ray shared a cosy afternoon together, joined later by Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) and Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry). When the others left, Ray confessed to Marlon that he was beginning to have real feelings for Laurel — a moment that seemed tender but left fans uneasy.

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Celia’s Jealousy Turns Dangerous

As Ray left Laurel’s home, he received a furious call from Celia demanding to know where he was. Lying, he told her he was “out on a job.” But unbeknownst to him, Celia was watching — and her expression said it all.

Viewers immediately took to social media to predict tragedy. One fan warned:

“Oh no, Laurel needs to be careful. Celia won’t approve of her and Ray.”

Another agreed:

“I can see Celia trying to harm Laurel… maybe even kill her. No one is safe.”

And a third added:

“Celia is completely unhinged. She’ll destroy anyone who gets between her and Ray.”

The tension between Celia’s control and Ray’s emerging emotions hints at explosive consequences — and Laurel could be caught fatally in the crossfire.

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Actor Joe Absolom Teases Ray’s Hidden Humanity

Speaking about his character, Joe Absolom suggested that Ray’s attraction to Laurel might be more complicated than it seems:

“When Ray meets Laurel, something changes in him. He sees a family, a life he never had because Celia adopted him when he was eight. Laurel brings out a side of him that’s more human — but he’s still trapped in his mother’s control.”

While that emotional depth could redeem Ray, fans fear it might also seal Laurel’s fate, as Celia’s jealousy reaches breaking point.

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A Tragic Exit Looming?

Charlotte Bellamy’s Laurel has long been at the heart of Emmerdale’s emotional storylines — but with the show recently delivering some of its darkest twists yet, speculation is mounting that her time in the village may soon end in tragedy.

If Celia sees Laurel as a threat to her hold over Ray, there’s little doubt she’ll take matters into her own hands. As one fan grimly put it:

“This has ‘tragic ending’ written all over it.”