![\"Emmerdale](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_JOE-JOINS-EMMERDALE.jpg\")
Emmerdale viewers have shared the theory that new villain Ray will end up with someone in the village(Image: ITV)<\/p>\nEmmerdale viewers have shared the theory that new villain Ray will end up with someone in the village after a cryptic comment from actor Joe Absolom about the ITV soap role<\/p>\n
20:39, 06 Aug 2025Updated 20:40, 06 Aug 2025<\/p>\n
Emmerdale viewers have shared the theory that new villain Ray will end up with someone in the village(Image: ITV)<\/p>\n
There could be romance on the way for Emmerdale<\/a> baddie Ray. Amid his plans for teenagers Dylan Penders and April Windsor, fans think Ray will end up with someone in the village.<\/p>\n The love interest could be none other than a character linked to April<\/a> and others in the Dales, and it could spark an ultimatum if it was to happen. Fans can’t help but question whether Ray will be caught up in a romance, taking his dealing storyline into another direction.<\/p>\n It comes as Ray made it clear who he was targeting this week<\/a>, with a drug drop planned for one terrified teen. So if the female in question dopes embark on a romance with the villain, it would definitely divide villagers.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Emmerdale exit sealed in sad twist as couple torn apart over secret fling<\/a>READ MORE: EastEnders fans convinced star has been ‘silently axed’ after ‘huge episode clue’<\/a> Fans think that unlucky in love Laurel Thomas will be Ray’s love interest. She’s not had the best of luck recently, from a near-kiss with ex Marlon Dingle, as well as her brief fling with vicar Charles Anderson, eight years on from the death of her husband Ashley Thomas.<\/p>\n Laurel seems to be single for now, and with her offscreen a fair bit recently fans are guessing she has a storyline on the way. Amid fears about who else Ray may target, and whether Laurel’s teen son Arthur Thomas will get involved, fans are speculating Laurel and Ray will end up together.<\/p>\n Taking to social media, one fan said: “Joe [Absolom] said Ray has charm so I\u2019m sure he\u2019s gonna end up with someone and Laurel is at the top of my list.” Another fan replied: “I\u2019m rooting for her and Ray now.”<\/p>\n So will Laurel end up in a forbidden romance with the village villain who’s targeting teens in a dark plot? It’s not yet clear how long Ray is on the show for and what will happen with the storyline.<\/p>\n It comes as he was heard telling a mystery person about April “being of use” for their dodgy dealings. It wasn’t revealed who he was on the phone to, but fans think they know the identity of the caller.<\/p>\n Some fans have gone back to the Joe Tate theory about a possible teaming up, believing they are working together. Another theory speculated that fellow newcomer Celia might be linked to Ray. One theory said: “Anyone else curious as to who Ray was on the phone with? I reckon it’s someone we know like Joe.”<\/p>\n Another post echoed this theory saying: “Is Ray working with Joe?” Meanwhile another fan commented: “Imagine if Ray was working with Celia.”<\/p>\n Get the latest drama from the Dales by joining our Emmerdale WhatsApp group<\/p>\n As drama continues to unfold in the Yorkshire Dales, the Mirror has launched its very own Emmerdale WhatsApp community where you’ll get all the latest breaking news, secrets, and spoilers delivered straight to your phone.<\/p>\n Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link<\/a>, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group.<\/p>\n We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO JOIN<\/a><\/p>\n Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok <\/a>, Snapchat <\/a>, Instagram <\/a>, Twitter <\/a>, Facebook <\/a>, YouTube <\/a>and Threads <\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"There](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/30_07_emm_april_dylan.jpg\")
There could be romance on the way for Emmerdale baddie Ray, amid him targeting April and Dylan(Image: ITV)<\/p>\n![\"Fans](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/9_07_emm_laurel.jpg\")
Fans think that unlucky in love Laurel Thomas will be Ray’s love interest(Image: ITV)<\/p>\n