Emmerdale‘s Charlotte Bellamy has opened up about her character Laurel Thomas’ upcoming dark storyline that begins with the funeral of Ray Walters. Ray and Laurel were in a relationship before he was exposed as a drug dealer who groomed April Windsor and was holding Bear Wolf captive.

Ray’s true nature was only found out by Laurel on 2 January, just before he was killed by Bear.

In upcoming scenes Laurel will feel conflicted when she realises Ray will be buried with no one at his service, causing her decide she wants to attend.

Bellamy said of Laurel’s mental state regarding Ray: “Even though she realised that he is a monster, she fell in love with a different man. And so that’s what is so conflicting.”

As Ray never showed the evil side of himself to Laurel, Bellamy believes viewers will understand her conflicted feelings.

“I think the audience will understand why Laurel feels what she feels for him, especially inside,” the actress added.

Asked why Laurel decides to go to the funeral, Bellamy shared: “I think it is closure. I think she has to kind of see it through.

“And she wants to say goodbye to the Ray that she knew. And I think especially with the background of being with Ashley, I think it’s an important thing for her faith.”

Ray’s funeral will also be attended by Bear, as he remains in turmoil after he killed Ray while defending Paddy and Dylan.

Explaining Bear’s mindset, Bellamy said: “Bear’s feelings about Ray are a bit like Stockholm Syndrome.

“They’re conflicted with pain. But also she loved Ray and Bear kind of loved Ray in a weird kind of way.”

The actress added: “I think she feels that he needs closure as well. “

Laurel’s decision to attend Ray’s funeral will cause further strain in her relationship with son Arthur, who cannot forgive his mother for bringing Ray into their lives.

Speaking about how Laurel’s relationship with Ray affected her relationship with Arthur, Bellamy said: “I think she feels terrible that she let this sort of man into her house so quickly and willingly, but didn’t realise how dangerous he was.

“So I think she feels responsible, you know, what a crap parent kind of thing. And obviously, I think Arthur feels like he should have known, and he wants to protect her

“And so yeah, that starts on another journey, the two of them. Teenagers aren’t hard enough anyway, do you know what I mean?”

Further spoilers have revealed that Laurel and Arthur’s storyline is set to take a very dark turn next week when when Arthur reacts violently to Laurel’s decision to attend Ray’s funeral, leaving his mother hospitalised.

It remains to be seen how Laurel will ever be able to repair her relationship with Arthur as Ray’s ghost continues to loom over them both.