AFTER making a dramatic debut on Emmerdale last month, Joe Absolom’s new drug dealing character, Ray, keeps mysteriously disappearing – only to return with more dodgy antics up his sleeve.

And this week, he is back again only this time, he scuppers any plans of a romantic date between April Windsor and her homeless pal, Dylan Penders.

The pair had arranged to finally go out together but after Ray returns to the village again, Dylan suddenly abandons the plans.

It soon becomes apparent he’s being paid by Ray to deliver his drugs to clients in return for huge wads of cash. Dylan has also been trying to hide a stab wound by thug Kyle.

For former EastEnders and Doc Martin star, Joe, 46, the plotlines have proved a blast to film with the actor going as far today to reveal he has always rated the soap as being the ‘friendliest’ since shooting to fame 25 years ago in EastEnders.

He even admits he used to think some Hollyoaks’ stars came across more like ‘footballers’ than soap actors.

Joe reveals: “Everyone has been so welcoming since I joined and I am loving filming the scenes.

“What is funny is years ago when we went to the Soap Awards, we – the EastEnders mob – would all say at the end of it, ‘Emmerdale are the nicest lot’.

“You’d speak to these guys and you’d see the Hollyoaks’ guys flexing, they would always wear white dinner jackets – slightly like footballers.

“Coronation Street were all interesting people. Emmerdale were always the most genuine and lovely people, so when I saw Jeff (Hordley), we were laughing about how we’d met many years ago.

“The fact they have been really nice since I arrived has helped.”

He teases the plot lines will get very dark in the coming weeks with some drugs even going astray.

“It’s also set to cause more upset for fan favourite Marlon Dingle as his daughter April, played by Amelia Flanagan, looks set to get embroiled in the drug drama.

“Ray is such a fun character to play,” adds Joe.

“We’ve been filming in the park and my character sees the youngsters as easy manipulation.

“I can’t say too much but Ray has been handing over wads of cash! I get to peel off fifty pounds notes!”

Last month, Joe revealed how his 14-year-old son, Casper – Cass for short – in particular thinks it is pretty cool his dad is playing a drug gangster. Today he confides, Cass,14, has been inspired to follow in his footsteps one day.

And Joe – also a proud dad to Lyla, 18, and Daisy, 12 – says he has seen his own life flash before him as he encourages Cass to pursue his dreams.

But he smiles as he reveals his son definitely doesn’t have any plans to land a role in a soap.

Instead, he’s hoping to one day star in a Netflix drama.

“Cass wants to be an actor, “says Joe. “He is desperate. He is like ‘dad I want to be on Stranger Things!’ This is the YouTube and Netflix generation; they want to be in Marvel films!”

Joe goes on to admit, however, he initially tried to put his son off before seeing just how talented he is.

“I told him ‘Don’t do it, get a proper job’. It’s a strange business to go into and there is rejection.

“I do feel it as a parent but he is really good. Genuinely so and I have now helped him get an agent. He has been in Bugsy and he’s had some very good auditions and got very close.”

Reflecting on how much his life has turned a full circle, Joe adds: “What is weird is my dad used to be my chaperone and what’s weird is there I was recently sitting in Manchester taking him to an audition! It feels like the circle of life is turning.”

How will he feel if Cass does land his first major TV role? “It’s surreal,” replies Joe. “I’ve explained the risks and I do worry about the cost on a young mind and rejection but he says he is up for it! Fingers crossed!”

Whilst Cass dreams of being the next Stranger Things star, Joe says the role of British soaps still have a huge one to play. He praises soap bosses for ensuring they can now be streamed, like Netflix shows.

Says Joe: “The way people watch TV is changing but soaps are finding their way in that people will come back to the recurring storylines.

“They have characters who they love and the fact soaps are still part of the schedules on every channel is a testament to the work they put into it and the quality.”

As for what lies ahead for Ray and his drug dealing and Joe warns: “Ray is determined to get what he wants, so that lends itself to many different scenarios.

“If people say: ‘we don’t want to grow (the drugs) anymore’, it puts everyone in a difficult situation.

“Ray knows what they are growing is so good and it sells well. He is very manipulative!”

Emmerdale runs every weekdays on ITV1 and STV1 at 7.30pm.