Following the shocking scenes in tonight’s Emmerdale (1st January) that saw the sinister partnership of Celia and Ray come to a bloody end, actor Joshua Richards has opened up about the villains’ final exit.
After months of watching Bear being controlled and isolated, the actor behind the character shared his thoughts on the departure of his co-stars, Joe Absalom and Jaye Griffiths.
‘I thoroughly enjoyed working with Joe Absalom and with Jaye Griffiths who are both great actors and I do miss them now. As they’ve gone. But for the storyline, I think everybody in the village has nothing but benefits from their demise.’
Richards noted that the audience has been vocal about wanting to see the pair face the consequences of their actions: ‘I think the viewers can’t wait, from the feedback I’ve been getting from people in the streets and from family; they can’t wait for them to get their comeuppance.’
While the TV storyline has reached its peak, Joshua was quick to point out that the real-world issue of modern slavery is far from over. ‘And of course, I suppose we as arbiters of what’s right and wrong on TV, ITV can feel justified in saying, yes, we can end this now, because the viewing public are fed up with these people and the terrible acts they are committing. But unfortunately, in society, you can’t do that, because they’re all pervading and they’re always there, hovering in the darkness.’
While Celia may be gone, is there hope for Ray and Laurel, or does one final twist lie in store for his hope of a new life?
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