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Fans of Emmerdale will finally discover Ray Walters' killer as the soap delves into its primesuspects during a compelling week of 'whodunnit' episodes, beginning tomorrow (January 19).

Whilst Ray was despised for the chaos he caused throughout his stint in the Dales, there's one person mourning his demise - Joe Absolom, the actor who portrays him.

The ITV star reflects: "I've started to think 'why did I say kill me off?' That said, Ray had to get his comeuppance. I think the audience is happy. He couldn't stay in the soap. There has to be a moving on but, as an actor, I have loved it and I could easily stay forever."

With next week's instalments set to expose Ray's murderer - amongst the chief suspects are Laurel Thomas, Rhona Goskirk and Marlon Dingle - Joe, 47, confesses to feeling melancholy.

The performer, whose television work spans EastEnders, Doc Martin, Code of Silence, The Bay and The Level, reflects on his soap tenure, he told the Mirror: "It's been very good and I've definitely got the blues. It's a compliment to Emmerdale.

"It's been such a nice, positive place to work and I am going to miss it. When you are a jobbing actor, the reality of that fear of finding a new role also steps in. It can be terrifying wondering what is next. But, as I have got older, I feel like I have got a bit of karma and I know I will be alright."

As Emmerdale reveals the potential culprits in the search for Ray's murderer, speculation is mounting over whether Dylan - whom Ray manipulated into drug dealing - could be responsible. Ross Barton, connected to April (another victim of Ray's schemes), also remains under scrutiny.

Thursday's episode will finally unmask the killer. Joe comments: "It is a great twist and it is very fitting. He is not a popular guy and it could be one of many characters who murdered him."

Portraying such a manipulative antagonist has proved rewarding for Joe. From exploiting April and Dylan in his drug operation and kidnapping Bear, to deceiving his girlfriend Laurel about his true nature, Ray has been thoroughly villainous - something viewers haven't hesitated to mention.

He reflects: "I've loved playing Ray and it's been nice when people have come up to me to tell me they didn't like him. It means I've hopefully got it right. I tend to prefer playing the horrible characters. I can be quite fearful when it's natural, love stuff."

Yet sustaining such an intensive character within the relentless soap production schedule presents significant challenges. Joe observes: "There can be a snobbery about soaps, but filming is really difficult.

"They often have to do 25 pages of scripts on a soap, but I'm used to dramas where you only have three to five pages. It's an exhausting process, but everyone working on the soap is phenomenal.

"They are young, diverse, full of beans and it has been really eye opening and enjoyable to work with such a talented crew. They are always so enthusiastic.

"I've worked on dramas before where people are bored after four weeks - but not Emmerdale. Even when they are standing out in the rain all day, people laugh. As a place to work, Emmerdale is unique."

Ray's murderer will be exposed on Thursday 22nd January at 8pm on ITV1 and STV1. Episodes can be downloaded on ITVX.