When Emmerdale first announced that veteran actress Jaye Griffiths would be joining the cast as Celia Daniels, fans knew they were in for something special. Early spoilers teased that

Celia would be trouble — her dog’s attack on Paddy Kirk and her calculated manipulation of Moira Dingle’s financial woes were only a taste of what was to come. But few could have predicted

the sheer darkness lurking beneath her character’s polished exterior.

Now, in one of the most jaw-dropping twists the long-running ITV soap has seen in years, Celia has been unmasked as the criminal mastermind controlling Ray Walters and the entire County Lines drug network — the very same operation that has ensnared teenager April Windsor. The revelation sent shockwaves through the village and left viewers stunned, transforming Celia from a scheming newcomer into Emmerdale’s latest major villain.

However, according to Griffiths herself, fans haven’t seen anything yet. During a candid and lively appearance on Loose Women, the actress teased that Celia’s reign of terror is far from over — and what lies ahead will push the character to even darker extremes.

“That’s not even the worst thing she does,” Griffiths revealed, referring to a chilling clip shown during the interview where Celia coldly threatens her son and criminal underling, Ray. With a knowing smile, she added ominously, “Especially to him. It’s going to get worse.”

The statement immediately sent Emmerdale fans into overdrive. What could possibly top the reveal that Celia is the ruthless puppeteer behind the village’s drug crisis? Could betrayal, violence, or even murder be next on her list?

While Griffiths kept tight-lipped about specific plot points, her tone made it clear that Celia’s story is only just beginning. “She’s completely without conscience,” Griffiths said. “Playing her is like flicking a switch — no empathy, no remorse, no hesitation. It’s so liberating.”

It’s a bold admission that highlights just how much the actress relishes sinking her teeth into this sinister role. While Celia’s actions have been nothing short of despicable — manipulating teenagers, threatening violence, and endangering lives — Griffiths admitted that portraying such unrestrained evil has been thrilling. “I love her,” she confessed with a laugh. “She doesn’t care about anyone or anything. To step into that mindset, to just let go of all moral boundaries… it’s freeing.”

Still, Griffiths acknowledged that the public’s reaction to her character might not remain so friendly once Celia’s next moves are revealed. “People have been surprisingly nice so far,” she noted, smiling. “But I think that will change after what’s coming — especially after the scene where Celia slaps April. That was a turning point.”

Indeed, that shocking moment — when Celia’s mask of civility shattered as she assaulted a terrified April (Amelia Flanagan) and threatened her into silence — marked the moment Emmerdale’s audience truly grasped the extent of her villainy. Until then, Celia had been manipulative and cunning, but still somewhat grounded in the moral gray area. That brutal confrontation made it clear: Celia Daniels isn’t just scheming; she’s dangerous.

Behind the scenes, Griffiths credits her co-stars for helping her bring Celia’s complex menace to life, particularly Dominic Brunt, who plays the beloved Paddy Kirk. She shared that as part of her audition process, she was asked to perform an intense screen test with Brunt — and the experience left a lasting impression.

“I had to do a chemistry test with Dominic, and they wrote a four-and-a-half-minute scene just for it,” Griffiths recalled. “That’s a long time, especially in his lunch hour. But he gave me all of his time and energy — he was completely generous and professional. He’d learned the lines backwards, never rolled his eyes, never sighed. He just made me feel so comfortable and supported. That’s the kind of actor he is.”

That support clearly paid off. Since Celia’s debut, viewers have been both enthralled and horrified by the power dynamics she’s created in the village. From manipulating Ray into doing her bidding to subtly inserting herself into Moira’s life, Celia’s calculating nature and icy charm make her one of Emmerdale’s most compelling antagonists in recent memory.

Fans have taken to social media to discuss where her story might go next — and theories are rampant. Some believe Celia will turn on Ray completely, possibly orchestrating his downfall or even his death to maintain control of her operation. Others speculate that her deepening involvement in Moira’s world might not be coincidence at all — suggesting Celia could be connected to past tragedies, including the death of Moira’s daughter, Holly Barton.

Whether or not those theories prove true, one thing is clear: Emmerdale has found its next great villain. Celia’s combination of intelligence, ruthlessness, and chilling calm has already cemented her as a force to be reckoned with. And if Griffiths’ warning is any indication, the worst — and most gripping — is yet to come.

While Griffiths plays one of the show’s most hated characters, she remains one of its most respected performers. Known for her previous roles in Doctors, Silent Witness, and EastEnders, Griffiths has brought a rare gravitas to Celia — a character who balances charm and cruelty with unnerving ease. Her ability to shift seamlessly from sympathetic to sinister has earned her praise from both critics and fans alike.

As Emmerdale continues to push boundaries with bold, socially charged storytelling, Celia’s arc represents a new high-stakes chapter for the soap. The County Lines storyline has already shone a light on exploitation, youth vulnerability, and manipulation — and Celia’s reveal as the puppet master ties these threads together in shocking fashion.

With Griffiths teasing that “the worst is yet to come,” the big question now is: just how far will Celia go to protect her empire? Will Ray survive her wrath? And will April — or anyone else in the village — be brave enough to expose her before she strikes again?

One thing’s for certain: Emmerdale is heading into some of its darkest, most explosive episodes yet. Celia Daniels is proving that true evil doesn’t always shout — sometimes, it smiles sweetly, offers comfort, and then destroys everything in its path.