Former EastEnders Star Joe Absolom Joins Emmerdale Cast

Joe Absolom, known for his role as Matthew Rose on EastEnders from 1997 to 2000, is joining the cast of Emmerdale as Ray, an old contact of Mackenzie Boyd. Ray initially appears to be selling farm machinery but is soon revealed to be a drug dealer with a calm exterior that hides a menacing streak. Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw praised Absolom as a high-caliber actor, describing Ray as charming and charismatic yet quickly revealing a dark and villainous side. Absolom expressed excitement about joining the iconic show, hinting at complex storylines ahead for his character. His arrival coincides with ongoing dramatic plots involving Mackenzie Boyd, including accusations against him and a flash-forward mystery. Absolom is also currently starring in ITV’s thriller Code of Silence and has previously appeared in ITV dramas such as Doc Martin and The Bay.