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.
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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.”
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.
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