Laurel Thomas finally found out Ray Walters’ true colours in Emmerdale tonight, and furiously told him she never wanted to see him again. The long-running character was left utterly horrified after being informed of the villain’s evil ways by Dylan Penders.

The scenes came just one day after Ray ruthlessly killed his own adoptive mother, Celia, in a shocking New Year’s Day twist.

Today’s episode opened with Ray standing over Celia’s body, monologuing about how he saw Laurel as “my last chance to be someone – and I cannot do that with you around, because you won’t allow it”.

He added of the murder: “I suppose I should feel something. Grief, guilt maybe. I spent all night waiting for it. Nah. All I feel is free.”

But although he killed Celia so he could have a fresh start with Laurel, he had no idea that she was about to discover all the horrific things he’s been up to.

In recent months, viewers of the soap have watched him and Celia force teenagers April and Dylan to perform a slew of criminal acts, including drug dealing; while Bear Wolf – who also currently appears to have lost his life – was groomed into modern slavery.

But after Dylan overheard Laurel talking about Ray, he expressed concern over April’s whereabouts. Laurel then demanded: “What’s April got to do with Ray?”

Later, Ray visited Laurel, who was visibly distressed as she told him: “I’ve just spoke to Dylan and I can’t actually believe what I’ve just heard.”

Although Ray didn’t tell Laurel what he did to Celia, he alluded to “[standing] up to her”, all for Laurel. “She can’t hurt us anymore, we can be together; me, you and the kids,” he said.

“I don’t want you anywhere near my kids,” Laurel raged.

When Ray told Laurel he loved her and that “being here with you has been the best time of my life”, she spat back: “You don’t deserve a life… There is no ‘us’, OK? Whatever we had is over. Get that into your head!”

She slammed the door on him, and – unseen by a reeling Ray – Marlon was revealed to be nearby, watching the whole scene unfold.

Now Ray has been isolated from the woman he cared most about, what will he do from here? With a historic week for Emmerdale just days away, and with Ray’s own exit expected imminently, explosive scenes are all but guaranteed.