Emmerdale casts EastEnders star Joe Absolom as dark new story is confirmed
Former EastEnders star Joe Absolom has joined the cast of Emmerdale as part of a dark new storyline involving Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb).
Joe, who rose to fame as Matthew Rose in the BBC One soap during the 90s, will play a former contact of Mack's named Ray.
Ray arrives in the village in upcoming scenes with a calm and collected exterior, claiming to be selling farm machinery, but it's not long before his drug dealing ways come to light – and a menacing streak surfaces.
Discussing his casting, Joe said: 'Well what an honour to join such a talented team at Emmerdale! It's an iconic show and I'm grateful to be part of it. I can't wait to see what's in stock for Ray!'
Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw added: 'We are thrilled to welcome Joe Absolom to the cast. 'It's fantastic to have such a high calibre and immensely talented actor join our wonderful team to play the role of Ray.
'Charming, charismatic and effortlessly likeable, Ray is an extremely complex character who very quickly shows his dark and villainous side to some of our most loved villagers, leaving them in no doubt as to what he's capable of.'
Consider us intrigued .
Mackenzie isn't exactly having the best year after he was accused of causing the slurry leak which led to Harry's hospitalisation, not to mention Claudette and Charles Anderson suffering a spell of sickness in the aftermath due to the contaminated water supply.
He was also the subject of a flash-forward that we still know little about as he was seemingly chased through the woods – or at the very least was seen running away from something.
To top it all off, Mack was also trapped in Lewis Barton's (Bradley Riches) loft this week when he and Ross (Michael Parr) concocted a scheme to try take the newcomer's cannibis plants. More Trending
But just what trouble will Ray bring to his door?
Actor Joe is best known for his time in Walford between 1997 and 2000 as Matthew Rose, who was famously framed for the murder of Saskia Duncan (Deborah Sheridan-Taylor), who had actually been killed by club owner Steve Owen (Martin Kemp).
Since leaving EastEnders, he has went on to land roles in The Bill, New Tricks, Doc Martin, Death in Paradise and A Confession – and recently appeared in Silent Witness.
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Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 or stream first from 7am in ITVX.
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MORE: Emmerdale confirms who sets in motion John's downfall – and it's the most unexpected of characters
MORE: Mack left trapped in Emmerdale as Lewis Barton takes revenge over crime plot
MORE: Emmerdale legend falls victim to killer John in ITVX streaming release – and it's not Mack
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