If viewers ever thought Ray Daniels was just a man suffering from heartbreak, they’re about to completely change their perspective.

In the January episodes, Emmerdale is preparing to deliver the most psychological shock of the year: Ray kills his own mother – Celia Daniels.

It all begins when Ray discovers Celia has manipulated him for years, forcing him to believe he must “avenge Bear Wolf” – who was actually innocent.

When Ray confronts her, Celia coldly laughs and admits that she killed Bear herself to cover up a family scandal.

The confession is delivered with such arrogance and cruelty that Ray completely loses control.

In the silent house, candlelight flickers on the table, Celia sips wine and says, “You’re always weak, Ray. In the end, I’m the one who has to do what needs to be done.” At that moment, Ray shatters. He clutched the kitchen knife, weeping and screaming. One stab, then two, blood splattering against the wall. Celia fell to the floor, but still smirked and whispered, “I’m proud that you’re finally like me.”

Laurel walked in at that moment. The sight shattered her completely – the man she loved had become a murderer. When the police arrived, Ray didn’t flee. He sat in a chair, blood staining his hands, muttering that his mother “had won one last time.”