Emmerdale Star Joe Absolom Reflects on His Exit as Ray Walters
In a gripping week of Emmerdale episodes, viewers finally get to uncover the mystery behind Ray Walters' murder. But while the focus is on the whodunnit plot, the actor behind the villain, Joe Absolom, is reflecting on his own exit from the popular soap opera.
A Regretful Departure
Joe Absolom, who plays the calculating and ruthless Ray Walters, admits he has some regrets about agreeing to be killed off. Despite the character's unpopularity and the need for his comeuppance, Absolom has grown attached to the role and the show.
He shares, "I’ve started to think ‘why did I say kill me off?’ That said, Ray had to get his comeuppance. I think the audience is happy. He couldn’t stay in the soap. There has to be a moving on but, as an actor, I have loved it and I could easily stay forever."
The Emmerdale Experience
Absolom, whose career includes notable roles in EastEnders, Doc Martin, and The Bay, has nothing but praise for his time on Emmerdale. He describes the working environment as positive and welcoming, noting the talented crew and cast.
He says, "It’s been very good and I’ve definitely got the blues. It’s a compliment to Emmerdale. It’s been such a nice, positive place to work and I am going to miss it."
The Killer Twist
As the whodunnit storyline unfolds, Joe hints at a great twist in the reveal of Ray’s killer. The main suspects include Laurel Thomas, Rhona Goskirk, and Marlon Dingle, but viewers will have to wait until the finale to find out who committed the crime.
Absolom teases, "It is a great twist and it is very fitting. He is not a popular guy and it could be one of many characters who murdered him."
Playing the Villain
Ray Walters has been a formidable antagonist, manipulating and bullying characters like April and Dylan into selling drugs for him. Playing such a villainous role has been a challenge, but one that Joe has embraced.
He admits, "I’ve loved playing Ray and it’s been nice when people have come up to me to tell me they didn’t like him. It means I’ve hopefully got it right. I tend to prefer playing the horrible characters."
The Demands of Soap Acting
Despite the stereotypes surrounding soap acting, Joe highlights the rigorous demands of working on a soap opera. Filming often involves shooting 25 pages of script, compared to the 3-5 pages in other dramas.
He notes, "There can be a snobbery about soaps, but filming is really difficult. They often have to do 25 pages of scripts on a soap, but I’m used to dramas where you only have three to five pages. It’s an exhausting process, but everyone working on the soap is phenomenal."
Bonds with the Cast
During his time on Emmerdale, Joe formed strong bonds with his co-stars, particularly Charlotte Bellamy (Laurel), Mark Charnock (Marlon), and Fred Kettle (Dylan).
He praises Charlotte, saying, "She is exceptional. She can do any storyline and she has been so welcoming. You sit in the canteen and think ‘wow you’ve been here nearly 25 years.’"
The Future After Emmerdale
As Joe prepares for life after Emmerdale, he remains optimistic about his career. Despite the fear of finding a new role, he believes in his abilities and the opportunities that lie ahead.
He quips, "I keep joking and saying ‘now I have gone, think of me when you are still working and I am unemployed! My death has given your character the chance to move on.’ But giving them lots of work is something I am very happy about."
The Legacy of Ray Walters
Ray Walters may be gone, but his impact on Emmerdale will be felt for a long time. The whodunnit plot has kept fans on the edge of their seats, and Joe’s portrayal of the villain has been a standout in the series.
As the reveal of the killer approaches, viewers can expect an emotional and dramatic conclusion to the storyline. And while Joe Absolom’s time on Emmerdale is ending, his legacy as a compelling actor is just beginning.
