Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale introduced a new rogue in Tuesday's episode (1 July) as sneaky Ray arrived in the village.
Ray turned up in the hope of buying Lewis Barton's secret stash of weed. By the end of the hour-long episode, he'd achieved his aims thanks to an underhand deal with Robert Sugden.
Those who follow Emmerdale spoilers closely will know that Ray isn't just a typical villain-of-the-week – show bosses have bigger plans for his character.
Here's everything we know about the new bad boy so far.
1. He's played by a familiar face
Joe Absolom has landed the role of Ray, as Emmerdale bosses first announced at the start of last month.
What to Read Next
The actor has various credits to his name, including roles in Doc Martin, The Bay and Code of Silence. But of course, soap fans may know him best for playing Matthew Rose on EastEnders between 1997 and 2000.
2. He's just getting started
After triumphing by purchasing Lewis's weed from Robert, ruthless Ray won't be quitting while he's ahead.
The initial press release announcing Ray's arrival provided some early storyline details showcasing what's next for him – and it involves causing further trouble in the village.
Emmerdale chiefs teased: "Ray arrives at the farm claiming to be selling farm machinery but it's not long before his true drug dealing ways become clear.
"Despite Ray's calm and collected exterior, it's clear a menacing streak hides just below the surface."
Producer Laura Shaw shed further light on the situation, saying: "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."
Meanwhile, in a live interview on ITV's Loose Women today, Joe explained: "My character comes in to try and take advantage of that [weed stash] and to try and distribute it amongst the fellow people of Emmerdale."
3. Ray's story will cross with Dylan's return
New fan favourite Dylan Penders – April Windsor's friend from when she was sleeping rough – will be heading back to the village in the coming weeks.
Dylan left to seek help in rehab for his drug problem, but it seems that the teenager's troubles are far from over.
Speaking exclusively to us at the British Soap Awards last month, Joe teased: "[Ray] arrives in the village and he's always got cash. So you've always got to be wary of someone with cash these days.
"We don't quite know why he's got that cash yet and we're going to find out slowly. But he starts talking to Dylan, played by Fred Kettle…"
Fred also spoke to us on the red carpet, teasing: "I think for Dylan, there's going to be a nice little journey. He's going to bring some of his past experiences back to the village, so yes it'll be very good."
4. April could be in danger too
Unsurprisingly, this storyline will draw in April too.
In his chat at the British Soap Awards, Joe confirmed that he'd been sharing scenes with Amelia Flanagan, who plays the role of April.
April and Dylan are sure to be in cahoots once they're reunited, but their friendship could place the pair of them in big trouble…
5. The story touches on a big issue
Emmerdale's new story looks set to explore the issue of County Lines drug dealing, with Ray's presence potentially posing a major threat.
County Lines refers to gangs from big cities, who target young people and vulnerable adults to sell their drugs in smaller towns and villages. The topic was previously explored on Channel 4's Hollyoaks a few years ago.
Joe told us: "I think he's very small time crook. But when you're paying a child cash, it's never a good look.
"So I think his intentions are bad, at the minute."
In a separate chat with Radio Times, he added: "Ray turns up and he likes to sell the [drugs] and it's a bit of a County Lines idea.
"I actually get kids, April and Dylan, to work for me and to pay them cash."
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Digital Spy's first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online, now priced at just £3.99.
