Emmerdale spoilers follow from Wednesday’s episode (17 December), which is available to watch now on ITVX and YouTube but hasn’t yet aired on ITV1.
Emmerdale’s Celia Daniels makes it her mission to destroy her son Ray Walters’ new relationship with Laurel Thomas tonight. But will she risk pushing him away with her manipulative antics?
The show’s biggest villain is furious to see Ray drifting away from her as he cautiously pursues the possibility of a happy future with Laurel. So when Celia visits Mulberry Cottage for a cosy lunch date with Laurel and Ray, she can’t resist sticking the knife in.
Laurel is hoping for the opportunity to get to know Celia better, as she believes there’s a real chance that her new relationship with Ray could be for keeps.
From Celia’s point of view, though, this is totally out of the question. After years spent manipulating Ray to do her bidding for the sake of their criminal empire, she won’t let him wriggle away from her influence.
ITV
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When they get a moment alone, Celia makes out that Laurel is the latest in a long line of women who’ve been promised the earth by Ray.
She even insinuates that Ray could be secretly romancing other ladies. Needless to say, Laurel isn’t too impressed…
“I’ve had to have a word about people not being playthings,” Celia lies. “I was hoping he was past it, but I have hoped for that before.
“I am hoping he’ll behave for you, because you are very sweet.”
ITV
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With the moment ruined, Laurel suddenly turns cold on Ray – but how will he respond? Fans can see the full story when the episode airs tonight at 7pm on ITV1, or it’s streaming early now on ITVX and YouTube.
Whatever happens, it’s not necessarily the end of Ray and Laurel. Show bosses have previously confirmed that they’ll take centre stage over Christmas and New Year, as Ray dares to hope that they can still make things work.
Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, recently told us: “Ray has never really had a proper Christmas. But this year, it’s full of warmth and love, twinkly lights and a Christmas tree as he walks into this huge hug of Mulberry Cottage.
“We do a typical family Christmas day with charades, laughter and silliness.”
ITV
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She added: “Ray tries to do a little Christmas for Laurel and brings over a sandwich. It’s really sweet. You see the utter tenderness between them.
“That’s the dilemma. He’s the product of abuse, but is he redeemable? Laurel really is his only chance…”
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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