Emmerdale confirms second shock death of 2026 in early ITVX release

Emmerdale is killing off Ray Walters in a sinister new storyline twist. The villain’s grisly fate is revealed in tonight’s episode, just days after his mum Celia Daniels was also murdered.

The latest visit to the Dales opens with a tranquil scene, as a beautiful day begins in the village and the residents go about their business. However, it quickly turns ominous as a lifeless body is dragged away by an unseen assailant.

The unlucky character in question is Ray, who’s seemingly been murdered by one of his many enemies. But who is responsible?

“It’s a huge week for the village – and not just because of Corriedale,” our Emmerdale source reveals. “All eyes have been on the characters involved in the huge road crash ahead tonight, but that’s not the only gripping storyline playing out this week.

“Ray has been causing misery for the local residents for months now and it seems that one of them has finally taken drastic action to get rid of him. But who is it? More details on the suspects and their motives will be revealed in the coming days…”

The early scenes of tonight’s episode see Rhona Goskirk appearing suspicious as she makes a furtive call, while Marlon Dingle also looks shifty as he sends a text.

The couple have repeatedly clashed with Ray since discovering that he’d groomed their daughter April Windsor into dealing drugs for him, so they certainly have a motive.

A dishevelled-looking April also returns to the village, driven back home by Ross Barton. They also seem to be keeping secrets over where they’ve been – and why.

Laurel Thomas may also be one to watch, as she discovered the horrible truth about Ray’s criminality last week. Feeling duped after falling for Ray’s charms, did Laurel strike out in anger?

Joe Absolom filmed his final scenes for Emmerdale late last year after a memorable stint as evil Ray. News of his departure first leaked out last week.

Before Ray’s death, he murdered his mum Celia in the hope of escaping from her influence and starting a new life with Laurel.

Fans can see how the whodunit story unfolds right now on ITVX and YouTube, or wait until the ITV1 airing at 7pm.