Get ready, Emmerdale fans—trouble is rolling into the village, and it’s wearing a charming smile.
Actor Joe Absolom, best known for his iconic role as Matthew Rose in EastEnders and more recently seen in Silent Witness and ITV’s Code of Silence, is joining the Emmerdale cast as Ray, a mechanic with a murky past and a dangerous future.
At first glance, Ray seems like just another smooth-talking newcomer, claiming to sell farm equipment. But those who know him best—like Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb)—understand there’s far more beneath the surface. Ray isn’t just an old friend from the past… he’s a ticking time bomb wrapped in charm and steel.
Behind the scenes, Emmerdale producers are buzzing about Absolom’s arrival. Laura Shaw, the show’s producer, hinted that fans should prepare for serious drama:
“Ray is charming, charismatic and effortlessly likeable—but beneath that surface lies a dark and villainous streak. He quickly makes an impact on some of our most beloved villagers, leaving no doubt about what he’s capable of.”
Ray’s true intentions come to light fast. While he pretends to be in the farming game, it isn’t long before villagers—and Mackenzie—discover his real hustle: drug dealing. With this criminal side business threatening to spiral, Mackenzie finds himself caught between loyalty, fear, and the law. The question is: will he fall back into old habits, or stand up to Ray before it’s too late?
Joe Absolom couldn’t be more excited about stepping into this layered new role. In a recent statement, he shared:
“What an honour to join such a talented team at Emmerdale! It’s an iconic show and I’m grateful to be part of it. I can’t wait to see what’s in stock for Ray!”
Fans of British TV will also recognize Absolom from his long-running role as Al Large in Doc Martin and as Andy Warren in The Bay (Season 2), proving his versatility across drama, crime, and now soap villainy.
And the shake-up doesn’t end there—Jaye Griffiths, former Casualty star and BBC veteran (Elle Gardner), has also joined the Emmerdale cast this week. She will play Celia, a tough and pragmatic farmer who stirs things up for Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb).
Between Ray’s criminal chaos and Celia’s no-nonsense presence, the Dales are headed into some seriously stormy weather.
Don’t miss a moment as secrets unravel, alliances shift, and Mackenzie’s world teeters on the edge. One thing’s certain—Ray’s not just here to fix tractors. He’s here to break lives.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV and is available on ITVX.
