We are witnessing the birth of new evil inĀ EmmerdaleĀ asĀ Arthur ThomasĀ (Alfie Clarke) quietly slips into drug lordĀ Ray Waltersā (Joe Absolom) shoes.
Being the son of a vicar, Arthur should know all about the devils of temptation, but havingĀ stolen a bag of drugs and cash from Ray, Arthur has allowed temptation
to drag him into a dark world and drive a wedge between him and his mum.
Laurel Thomas grows worried about her son
First there was the thieving of the bag, then there was the backchat to his mumĀ Laurel ThomasĀ (Charlotte Bellamy) that saw her slap him, then there was the hiding of the cash and treating himself to goodies on the money that truly belonged to Aprilās family. His moral compass is spinning out of control.
April WindsorĀ (Amelia Flanagan) noticedĀ something was up with himĀ and worried he was getting a taste for the high life. He denied it, but secretly Arthur has been enjoying his foray into Rayās world.
He bought himself a snazzy new phone with his stolen cash and becomes so engrossed in his new tech that his work starts slipping.Ā Gabby ThomasĀ (Rosie Bentham) is forced to get all managerial on him.
After a huge row, the wayward teen throws the apron in and quits, leaving Laurel to think that itās all her fault and wonder if sheās just a really terrible mum.
Laurel then catches her breath as she finds Arthur searching for his passport as heās planning to do a bunk using his newfound wealth. He wants to live inĀ AustraliaĀ and when asked how he plans to fund it, Laurel finds an envelope full of cash.
Laurel fumes as Arther reveals he found it in Rayās bag. As Laurelās temper rises, Arthur screams that unless she lets him take the cash, heāll tell everyone she beat him. Heās truly sunk to some low levels.
Arthur got his hands on Rayās bag, which was full of money (Picture: ITV)
Laurel was heartbroken to learn of Rayās true natureĀ Ā
LaurelĀ breaks down as she realises sheās losing her son, who holds her to ransom while he searches for the cash that sheās now hidden.
He begs her to give her the money so that he can travel, but once he leaves, Laurel makes a decision that may shatter their relationship for good ā overhearingĀ Marlon DingleĀ (Mark Charnock) andĀ Rhona GoskirkĀ (Zoe Henry) discussing their debt, Laurel makes a decision about what to do with the money.
