Former EastEnders actor Joe Absolom to join Emmerdale
Absolom, 46, previously played Matthew Rose in BBC soap EastEnders from 1997 to 2000.
But he is now set to make the switch to rival soap Emmerdale where he will play the role of Ray, an old contact of of Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb).
ITV said Ray will arrive at the farm claiming to be selling farm machinery, but it is not long before his true drug-dealing ways become clear.
The broadcaster added Absolom's character will have a 'calm and collected exterior' with a hidden 'menacing streak'.
Speaking about his new role, Absolom 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.'
Joe Absolom played Matthew Rose in EastEnders from 1997 to 2000. (Image: Isabel Infantes/PA) Emmerdale producer 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.'
Absolom has also appeared on various other TV shows throughout his career, including ITV's Doc Martin (as Al Large) and Code of Silence (Braden Moore).
News of the EastEnders star joining the soap comes after ITV announced it would be airing its first-ever Emmerdale and Coronation Street crossover episode.
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Fans will be able to vote for characters they would like to see meet and interact with from the two soaps.
The hour-long crossover episode will air in January 2026 as ITV and STV launch a new 'hour of soap' schedule (half an hour of Emmerdale at 8pm, followed by 30 minutes of Coronation Street at 8.30pm).
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV1 and STV, or you can watch each episode from 7am on ITVX and STV Player.
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