Emmerdale Star Joe Absolom Sparks Exit Rumours with Cryptic ‘Unemployed’ Comment
Emmerdale fans are speculating that actor Joe Absolom may have left the ITV soap after he made a teasing remark about being “unemployed” during a recent television appearance.
The actor, who joined the cast earlier this year as villain Ray Walters, has been at the centre of one of the show’s darkest and most controversial storylines — and his latest comment suggests that his reign of terror in the Dales could soon be coming to an end.
Joe’s Cryptic Comment on Lorraine
Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine on Wednesday (November 5), Joe opened up about the uncertain nature of an acting career and appeared to hint that his time on Emmerdale may have wrapped up.
“I sort of drift between employment and unemployment,” he said with a laugh. “But I’m good at being unemployed, so it’s okay.”
He then added more pointedly:
“As a self-unemployed actor, it’s very boring!”
The lighthearted remark immediately raised eyebrows among viewers — particularly since Ray’s storyline has been building toward an explosive confrontation with the Dingle family.
Ray Walters’ Dark Storyline
Joe’s character Ray Walters has made quite the impact since arriving in Emmerdale. Introduced as a ruthless drug dealer, Ray manipulated teens April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) and Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) into his criminal network.
Recent episodes revealed that Ray’s adoptive mother Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) is the true mastermind behind the operation, with the pair coercing April into dangerous and degrading situations. The storyline has left fans furious — and desperate to see justice served.
Given Ray’s escalating cruelty, speculation has been growing that his downfall could be imminent. Joe’s “unemployed” quip may be the biggest clue yet that his exit has already been filmed.
Reflecting on Life Beyond the Dales
During his interview, Joe also reflected on his unpredictable career path and the realities of acting life. “Whenever you get to the end of a job, you think you’ll never work again,” he said. “Then you get another job and you relax for a little bit. But as soon as that ends, the cycle starts again.”
He even mentioned that one of his children hopes to follow in his footsteps, joking, “Part of me wants them to have a proper job — like one with a Christmas party and fun things to do!”
Emmerdale Stays Silent
When approached for comment, Emmerdale declined to confirm whether Joe Absolom has officially departed the show. However, his remarks — combined with the escalating drama surrounding Ray Walters — suggest that a shocking final chapter for the character may be close.
Whether Ray meets his end, goes on the run, or faces justice in the Dales court, one thing is certain: Joe Absolom’s short stint has left a lasting impression on fans.