Emmerdale is set to lose one of its most sinister villains, as actor Joe Absolom has filmed his final scenes for the ITV soap. His character, drug dealer Ray Walters, was at the heart of what has been called the show's darkest plot in over five decades.
Villain's Reign of Terror Comes to an End
Joe Absolom's departure from Emmerdale is now confirmed, with his exit storyline scheduled to hit screens in early 2026. The actor, who joined the series only a few months ago, completed filming his last scenes back in November 2024. Producers were aware from the outset that they had Absolom for a limited time and crafted his character's arc accordingly.
Ray Walters was a central figure in a disturbing narrative involving a modern-day slavery and narcotics network. The plot saw several villagers, including vulnerable teenagers, coerced into criminal schemes and forced labour. This storyline has been widely described as one of the most hard-hitting in the programme's 53-year history.
Co-Star Exit and Storyline Impact
Absolom will not be leaving alone. Actress Jaye Griffiths, who portrays Ray's foster mother and accomplice Celia Daniels, is also exiting the show. Griffiths expressed sadness about leaving but confirmed that her character's journey was always planned to be finite.
Despite playing characters involved in heinous acts, Griffiths praised the professional and kind working environment at Emmerdale. She emphasised the cast and crew's commitment to handling the serious themes of modern slavery with the utmost care and responsibility, hoping the plot would raise public awareness about this crime occurring in local communities.
The concluding chapters of Ray and Celia's reign of terror will play out on screen in the coming weeks, building towards a dramatic exit that is expected to involve a major crossover event with Coronation Street in early 2026.
From Doc Martin to the Dales
Before terrifying residents of the Yorkshire Dales, Joe Absolom was best known for his long-running role as the likeable Al Large in the hit series Doc Martin. He first found fame in the late 1990s playing Matthew Rose on BBC's EastEnders.
Viewers can watch the fallout from this intense storyline on Emmerdale, airing weeknights on ITV1. All episodes are also available to stream on ITVX.
