Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale’s Laurel Thomas and Ray Walters finally go on a successful date next week – but little does Laurel know she’s cosying up to an evil snake. How long will she remain in the dark for?
Laurel seems totally smitten with Ray, but they’ve struggled to find the right moment for alone time as Ray keeps being distracted by his illegal work involving April Windsor, Dylan Penders, Bear Wolf and many others.
“Ray and Laurel have been eyeing each other up for weeks,” our Emmerdale source says. “They even have a cheeky kiss, right in the middle of the village.
“Whether Ray’s interest in Laurel is genuine, or if it’s all just an act to pull the wool over the villagers’ eyes and convince them he’s a good guy, we’ll have to see…”

ITV
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In the hope of impressing Laurel, Ray wears his heart on his sleeve as he puts together an afternoon tea-themed picnic spread for her. Bowled over by how much effort he’s gone to, Laurel agrees to give him one last chance.
“Laurel needs to up her standards if all it takes is a few egg and cress sarnies to win her heart,” our insider continues. “She’s been completely taken in by Ray’s romantic façade.
“We can only hope that her bestie Nicola stays wary of him, otherwise Laurel could be marching down the aisle with a criminal before we know it.”
After their date, Laurel is smitten, totally unaware of Ray’s dodgy dealings. Letting him into her house, she has no idea of the kind of person that he is…

ITV
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“Laurel has gone from vicar’s wife to a mobster’s girlfriend – poor Ashley must be turning in his grave,” our spy adds. “Laurel has two children in the house, and she has absolutely no idea of the peril that she’s putting her family in by dating Ray. We’ve heard of bad boyfriends, but Ray takes the cake.”
Totally ignorant to Ray’s evil behaviour, could Laurel be putting her children in the firing line by allowing the tormentor of teens into their home? And are Ray’s feelings for Laurel genuine, or is his pursuit of love all a ruse to conceal his criminal operation?
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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