In a gripping ITVX early release, Emmerdale has confirmed that the frightening new character, Ray (portrayed by Joe Absolom), is targeting Dylan Penders—a major character connected to April Windsor—in a dark and escalating story arc. From his deceptively calm introduction as a farm machinery salesman, Ray’s true nature was quickly revealed: a drug dealer exploiting vulnerable villagers, particularly youth like Dylan. His connection to Mackenzie Boyd helped him embed himself into Dales life, but it’s with Dylan that the danger becomes personal and chilling.

Ray first surfaced when he struck a deal with Mackenzie and Ross to sell Lewis Barton’s stash. Yet behind the scenes, Ray’s plan was far darker. In a twist that shocked viewers, it’s revealed he’s grooming Dylan, paying him large amounts in cash to deliver drugs as part of a County Lines operation. This plot was teased when April returned—but Dylan soon reappeared on-screen, avoiding rehab and clearly involved with Ray’s scheme. As Joe Absolom himself confirmed, “Ray arrives… he’s always got cash… he starts talking to Dylan” What to Watch+15Digital Spy+15tvguide.co.uk+15.

The ITVX episode makes the targeting unmistakable. Dylan’s return to the village is accompanied by scenes of him receiving envelopes of cash from Ray, while April grows alarmed as he begins distancing himself and hiding physical injuries. Sources confirm that Dylan and April are now directly in Ray’s orbit—and in serious danger tvguide.co.ukWhat to Watch.

This isn’t just business—Ray’s involvement marks an entrance into a storyline tackling county lines drug trafficking, exploitation, and manipulation of vulnerable youth—an issue that Emmerdale is increasingly spotlighting. Dylan, struggling to rebuild his life after rehab, becomes a pawn in Ray’s scheme—forced into illegal deliveries, unpaid labor, and physical risk with no easy way out Digital SpyDigital Spy.

As Dylan tries to create distance, Ray’s hold tightens. In upcoming episodes, fans are warned to expect Dylan and April to face real threats, potentially betraying police trust and risking their safety as Ray plots retaliation against Dylan’s defiance Reddit+9tvguide.co.uk+9What to Watch+9.

This storyline marks a turning point: Ray is no longer a peripheral troublemaker—he’s a predator deeply embedded in Emmerdale life, turning familiar faces into casualties of his scheme. Dylan’s involvement also affects April deeply, drawing her back into danger after her own struggles.

At its core, this plot is about how aspiration and desperation mix dangerously when money appears easily and authorities turn a blind eye. Dylan’s trust in Ray becomes his downfall, and April’s loyalty may force her into moral dilemmas. Their situation puts multiple beloved characters at risk—and Ray’s menacing influence could ripple across the village.

With Emmerdale airing nightly on ITV and early on ITVX, viewers can expect this storyline to build rapidly. Ray’s calm demeanor masks a menacing resolve, and by choosing Dylan as his initial target—a character already struggling with addiction and identity—Emmerdale has escalated stakes to their highest yet.

This arc is about trauma, influence, and how a cash-filled stranger can imprison a young person’s life. It’s a major character plotline with serious consequences for Dylan, April, and their circle. As Ray’s influence spreads, fans brace for tragedy, confrontations, and moral reckonings in the weeks to come.

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🗣️ Reddit Fan Reactions

“He is very good at being sinister, not to mention sordid. Excellent actor.”
“All credit to the actor playing him, the character is an absolute creep.”