Latest news with #EastEnders
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Former EastEnders star Joe Absalom looks totally unrecognisable as he joins the cast of Emmerdale
Former EastEnders star Joe Absalom is returning to our screens this summer on Emmerdale - and he looks unrecognisable 25 years after he left the BBC soap. The actor, 46, played Matthew Rose, a character who was framed for the murder of Saskia Duncan (Deborah Sheridan-Taylor), in Walford more than a quarter of a century ago between 1997 and 2000. He has since starred in a number of different shows, including ITV 's Doc Martin as AI large and Casualty. The actor is now making his return to soap television, joining the cast of Emmerdale as Ray, an old contact of the Mackenzie family who turns out to be a drug dealer. And in new photos released by ITV to promote his new gig, Joe looked understandably unrecognisable from his time in Walford all those years ago. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The actor, who had long floppy hair and a freshly shaven face when he played Matthew, is now sporting a shorter trim and a shaped grey beard. He's a far cry from his previous boyish visage and mousy middle-parting, with his salt and pepper locks giving him a decidedly more rugged look. Ahead of his debut on Emmerdale farm, the show's producer Laura Shaw said: 'We are thrilled to welcome Joe Absalom 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.' Joe commented: '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!' Recently the actor has been spotted in ITV's new crime drama Code Of Silence, which premiered on Sunday May 18. The six-part series sees a deaf waitress (Rose Ayling-Ellis) pulled into an investigation to help with her lip-reading skills. Joe stars in the gripping thriller as Braden Moore. ITV's announcement that the 46-year-old Brit will be joining Emmerdale comes on the same week that the broadcaster poached another seasoned BBC soap actor. Jaye Griffiths, 61, who previously starred in Casualty and Doctors, will be joining the northern-based soap as a farmer called Celia in the coming months. Her alter-ego, who is renting a neighbouring farm from Kim Tate, is introduced when she enquires about renting two of Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) fields - but Moira isn't interested. Moira is later glad she didn't give in when Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) is viciously attacked by Celia's guard dogs under suspicious circumstances. Speaking about her upcoming role, Jaye said: 'I was delighted to get this role - without giving the game away she is very different to anyone I have played before and I can't wait to really get into the heart of her storyline.' Earlier this month it was revealed Coronation Street and Emmerdale are set to make soap history with a landmark crossover episode. Fans of the ITV soaps will be over the moon to know that characters from Weatherfield and The Dales will be teaming up for a dramatic stunt that will change their lives forever. The crossover, which will be a one-off special hour-long episode, is to mark the channel's new power hour of soap - which starts in January next year. The new collaboration is set to launch the new ITV1 and STV scheduling pattern. ITV's press release explains: 'The distinctive worlds of Emmerdale and Coronation Street will merge for one night only in a 'mash-up' of our two favourite communities. 'The producers, scriptwriters and production teams have conceived an ingenious way of linking the two universes, but with characters then returning to the soaps they are renowned for inhabiting in Manchester and Yorkshire. 'The episode will be self-contained, but the consequences of the high-stakes drama will have repercussions for both communities and see them linked forever as familiar faces depart and exciting new characters arrive into both soaps.' Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
Rhyl Journal
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Former EastEnders star Joe Absolom joins Emmerdale cast
The 46-year-old will play Ray, an old contact of Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb), in the ITV soap, having previously played Matthew Rose in BBC soap EastEnders from 1997 to 2000. ITV says 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. Absolom said of his new role: '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.' ITV says Absolom's character will have a 'calm and collected exterior' with a hidden 'menacing streak'. Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: '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.' The actor also appeared as Al Large in the ITV comedy drama Doc Martin between 2004 and 2022, and most recently played the role of Braden Moore in Code of Silence. It comes after ITV announced it was to air its first ever crossover between Coronation Street and Emmerdale, with fans able to vote for the characters they would like to see meet and interact. The hour-long crossover episode will air in January 2026 as ITV and STV announce a new hour of soap schedule, which will see half hour Emmerdale episodes air at 8pm, followed by 30-minute episodes of Coronation Street at 8.30pm. Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV1 and STV, or from 7am on ITVX and STV Player.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former EastEnders actor currently starring in gripping thriller joins Emmerdale cast
Former EastEnders actor Joe Absolom is to join the cast of Emmerdale. Currently starring in the gripping thriller Code of Silence, the 46-year-old will play Ray, an old contact of Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb), in the ITV soap, having previously played Matthew Rose in BBC soap EastEnders from 1997 to 2000. ITV says 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. Absolom said of his new role: '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.' (Image: PA/(Isabel Infantes/PA)) ITV says Absolom's character will have a 'calm and collected exterior' with a hidden 'menacing streak'. Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: '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. READ MORE: Coronation Street's Vicky Myers appears in Classic Emmerdale Emmerdale's Paddy Kirk dog attack storyline as new character arrives ITV Code of Silence: Full cast list and when it's on TV '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.' The actor also appeared as Al Large in the ITV comedy drama Doc Martin between 2004 and 2022, and most recently played the role of Braden Moore in Code of Silence. It comes after ITV announced it was to air its first ever crossover between Coronation Street and Emmerdale, with fans able to vote for the characters they would like to see meet and interact. The hour-long crossover episode will air in January 2026 as ITV and STV announce a new hour of soap schedule, which will see half hour Emmerdale episodes air at 8pm, followed by 30-minute episodes of Coronation Street at 8.30pm. Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV1 and STV, or from 7am on ITVX and STV Player.
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders legend joins cast of Emmerdale as ‘dark and villainous' new character
The newcomer already has ties to a prominent villager soap shock EastEnders legend joins cast of Emmerdale as 'dark and villainous' new character AN EastEnders legend has joined Emmerdale as a 'dark and villainous' new character. The ITV soap has snapped up Joe Absolom, whose past work includes a three-year run in EastEnders. 5 Joe Absolom is joining Emmerdale as a 'dark and villainous' character Credit: ITV 5 The actor played Matthew Rose in EastEnders for three years Credit: BBC 5 Joe said he is "grateful" to be part of Emmerdale Credit: Rex Joe, 46, is joining Emmerdale this summer, playing the role of newcomer Ray,. Introduced as old acquaintance of Mackenzie's (Laurence Robb), Ray arrives at the farm claiming to be selling farm machinery. But it's not long before the character's true, drug dealing ways come to light. While he possesses a calm and collected exterior, it's clear a menacing strike hides just below the surface. Discussing his new role, 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." He added: "I can't wait to see what's in stock for Ray!' Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw says: '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." A Confession episode three sees EastEnders star Joe Absolom reveal true extent of evil killer Christopher Halliwell Joe played the regular role of Matthew Rose in EastEnders from 1997 to 2000. In the character's most prominent storyline, Matthew was framed for murder and wrongfully imprisoned. Joe is also well-known as Al Large in Doc Martin and Andy Warren in The Bay. He recently starred in ITV crime drama Code of Silence, featuring Rose Ayling-Ellis in the lead role. Emmerdale airs 7.30pm, weeknights on ITV1 and STV or from 7.00am on ITVX and STV Player. 5 He recently popped up in ITV crime drama Code of Silence Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders legend joins cast of Emmerdale as ‘dark and villainous' new character
AN EastEnders legend has joined Emmerdale as a 'dark and villainous' new character. The ITV soap has snapped up Joe Absolom, whose past work includes Advertisement 5 Joe Absolom is joining Emmerdale as a 'dark and villainous' character Credit: ITV 5 The actor played Matthew Rose in EastEnders for three years Credit: BBC 5 Joe said he is "grateful" to be part of Emmerdale Credit: Rex Joe, 46, is joining Emmerdale this summer , playing the role of newcomer Ray,. Introduced as old acquaintance of Mackenzie's (Laurence Robb), Ray arrives at the farm claiming to be selling farm machinery. But it's not long before the character's true, drug dealing ways come to light. While he possesses a calm and collected exterior, it's clear a menacing strike hides just below the surface. Advertisement Read more on Emmerdale Discussing his new role, 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." He added: "I can't wait to see what's in stock for Ray!' Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw says: 'We are thrilled to welcome Joe Absolom to the cast. Advertisement Most read in Soaps Exclusive Exclusive "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." A Confession episode three sees EastEnders star Joe Absolom reveal true extent of evil killer Christopher Halliwell Joe played the EastEnders from 1997 to 2000. In the character's most prominent storyline, Matthew was framed for murder and wrongfully imprisoned. Advertisement Joe is also well-known as Al Large in Doc Martin and Andy Warren in The Bay. He recently starred in ITV crime drama Code of Silence, featuring Emmerdale airs 7.30pm, weeknights on ITV1 and STV or from 7.00am on ITVX and STV Player. 5 He recently popped up in ITV crime drama Code of Silence Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Advertisement 5 Joe formerly played Al Large in Doc Martin Credit: Handout
