ITV Emmerdale fans predict Ray’s ‘shocking’ love interest and villagers won’t be happy

Emmerdale viewers are convinced that a character linked to April Windsor and others in the village will end up in a romance with villain Ray, as they also think they know who he was talking to

Emmerdale villain Ray might have romantic entanglements on the horizon. As he’s devising plans involving teenagers Dylan Penders and April Windsor, fans speculate that Ray will find love in the village.

This potential love interest could be a character connected to April and other residents, sparking an ultimatum if the relationship were to blossom. Viewers are curious about the possibility of Ray getting involved in a romance, which would add a new twist to his current storyline.

This week, Ray revealed his target, planning a drug drop for a frightened teenager. If the woman in question were to start a romance with the villain, it would undoubtedly cause divisions among the villagers.

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Fans predict that unlucky-in-love Laurel Thomas will be Ray’s love interest. Following a near-miss kiss with her ex, Marlon Dingle, and a brief fling with vicar Charles Anderson, eight years after the passing of her husband Ashley Thomas, Laurel hasn’t had the best of luck.

Currently single, with reduced screen time lately, fans suspect that Laurel has a new storyline brewing.

Amid concerns about Ray’s potential targets and whether Laurel’s teenage son, Arthur Thomas, might get entangled, speculation is rife that Laurel and Ray will end up together, reports the Mirror.

On social media, a fan posted: “Joe [Absolom] said Ray has charm so I’m sure he’s gonna end up with someone and Laurel is at the top of my list.”

Another fan responded: “I’m rooting for her and Ray now.”

So, will Laurel find herself in a taboo romance with the village baddie who’s got a sinister plot to target the teens? It’s still unclear how long Ray will be sticking around or where the storyline will go from here.

This comes after he was overheard chatting to a mystery person about April being “being of use” to their shady plans.

We didn’t get to see who was on the other end of the line, but fans are convinced they know who it might be.

Some have gone back to the Joe Tate theory, thinking he and Ray might be joining forces. Another theory doing the rounds is that newcomer Celia might be in cahoots with Ray.

One fan mused: “Anyone else curious as to who Ray was on the phone with? I reckon it’s someone we know like Joe.”

Another post chimed in with: “Is Ray working with Joe?” Meanwhile, another fan threw in: “Imagine if Ray was working with Celia.”

Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX