Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) is the sweetest person in Emmerdale. Maybe all of Yorkshire. We’re talking about a woman who made her first appearance in the Dale dressed as a bumblebee. Pairing her up with a drug-dealing people-trafficker like Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) feels like a worse pairing than literally any couple from Love Island.
To viewers’ shock, Laurel has fallen head over heels for the smooth-talking criminal’s charms. For a woman whose relationship history includes Ashley Thomas (John Middleton), Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) and Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson), Ray is definitely not her usual type.
Actress Charlotte Bellamy explains why Laurel is so smitten ‘Ray is the most charming person and he totally has her hooked. So Christmas is really sweet, because she has no expectations. And of course, he has never really had a proper Christmas.
‘So it is full of warmth and love and you know, twinkly lights and a Christmas tree. He’s never had that. And of course, he’s just walked into this huge hug of Mulberry Cottage. So it’s a surprise for him as it is a surprise for Laurel.’
It’s been a surprise for the audience too. Given how Ray makes his money exploiting and manipulating vulnerable people, nobody ever expected him to have a softer side. But Laurel of all people has found it.
She gives Ray his first taste of warmth, happiness and stability, things that he has never received from his mother.
This genuine emotional connection has not only given Ray’s character more depth, but given the story some juicy conflict that may jeopardise Celia’s plans to flee the village before they are discovered.
Will Ray and Laurel get their happily ever after? Charlotte Bellamy is not optimistic.
‘Oh, my God, she’s going to get heartbroken, but he’s going to get his heart broken too. I think I’m excited about them finding out and seeing the other side of the monster that they think is Ray.
‘That is the clever bit of this story. You hate his character because he’s so awful, but then the more you find out about him, you realise that he is actually just a product of being groomed himself and that he has never seen any other way. And so suddenly this woman has opened up his heart and he’s actually falling in love and he’s never had that before.
‘He’s never had a problem in getting women, but he’s never been emotionally involved or connected with them. And suddenly the goodness of Laurel is magnetic.’
Whilst a future together may never be on the cards, Laurel has profoundly changed Ray. And with Celia’s exit already announced, Emmerdale fans are wondering if he will finally find the strength to stand up to his mother.
Can’t wait for the next twist?
Hi, I’m Calli Kitson, Soaps reporter at Metro. I cover Emmerdale, EastEnders, Corrie and more.
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Is it possible that Ray will find redemption in his love for Lauren and turn over a new leaf? ‘That’s the dilemma, isn’t it?’ Charlotte Bellamy explains.
‘Because on one hand, you think it’s not fair. (Ray’s) a product of mental, physical and emotional abuse. Did he ever have a chance when he was groomed from such a young age?
‘But on the other hand, you think, is he redeemable? He wants to be a good man. He desperately wants to redeem himself, but Laurel really is his only chance.’
Will he take it? Let’s hope for a Christmas miracle…
