Ray’s Drug Empire Faces Collapse

Tension explodes in Emmerdale next week as Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) finds himself cornered by DS Carter (Emma Willis), while his young recruits, Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) and April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), finally decide to make their move.

For months, Ray has held both teens in a dangerous web of manipulation, forcing them to deal drugs while convincing them they owe his so-called “boss” a massive debt. But the truth is far darker — there is no boss. Ray fabricated the lie to keep them trapped, terrified, and obedient.

Now, as the police start circling, his control begins to slip.

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DS Carter Turns Up the Pressure

Next week’s episodes see DS Carter arrive in the village to question Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill), but her sharp instincts soon lead her straight to Ray.

In a panic, Ray ditches a suspicious backpack — one that Dylan had just handed him — before DS Carter approaches. Trying to keep calm, he talks his way through the encounter, but when Carter leaves, he realises his mistake: he can’t retrieve the bag without drawing attention.

The lost bag sets off a chain reaction that threatens to blow his entire operation apart.

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Ross and Vinny Get Pulled Into the Chaos

The backpack ends up outside Dale View, where Ross Barton (Michael Parr) is helping Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) and Lewis (Bradley Riches) carry bags inside. By chance, Ross picks up Ray’s bag and moves it indoors, completely unaware of what’s inside.

When Ray realises what’s happened, he panics. With DS Carter still watching, he can’t risk going back himself, so he sends Dylan to retrieve it instead.

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Dylan and April See a Chance to Escape

Desperate and under pressure, Dylan tries to charm Vinny into letting him back into Dale View but fails. When Vinny leaves for the shop, Dylan steals the house keys and sneaks inside — only to find the bag gone.

Meanwhile, Ray orders April to meet with one of his “contacts,” a request that leaves her shaken. Despite her fear, she agrees, knowing that saying no isn’t an option.

Later, Dylan tells Ray that he’s retrieved the bag — and it’s full of money. The discovery gives Dylan and April hope for the first time in months. They decide to run away together, determined to escape Ray’s control once and for all.

But just as they start to plan their getaway, their phones light up with a chilling video message from Ray.

Has he caught them before they’ve even made it out of the village?

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Joe Absolom on Ray’s Dark Past

Actor Joe Absolom, who plays Ray, recently teased that there’s more depth to the villain than meets the eye. “I think he’s had a bit of a troubled life,” he shared. “He’s got an interesting setup with his mum, Celia Daniels, and when he comes to Emmerdale, he meets people who challenge that — who make him question everything he’s become.”

But with the net closing in and DS Carter closing fast, Ray’s empire — and his secrets — may not stay hidden for long.