Ray Dixon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Chucky Venn.

[1] His storylines have involved meeting and getting to know Morgan, a relationship with Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) and starting a youth mentoring scheme.

[6] Venn was a fan of EastEnders since he was about 12 years old, so he felt it was "a real privilege to now be a part of television history.

[8] Venn has described him as "a noble fella"[4] and "a man of principles [who] wants to honour his parental duties to the end, no matter what.

"[3] Additionally, when Venn auditioned for the part, the character was pitched to him as "a charming family man and someone the ladies admire.

"[6] Ray's introduction to EastEnders was said to fill "another piece of the puzzle" of Bianca's life, as previously nothing about Morgan's paternity was known.

Venn opined that it would be "cathartic" for Ray, saying he would be sad as he has missed out on seven years of Morgan's life, and said that when they first meet, "it's a lovely moment [for] the two of them".

[9] After Bianca goes to prison in May 2012, Venn told Inside Soap that "Ray will do everything in his power to keep Morgan in his life".

"[17] Empson said in a May 2012 interview with Inside Soap that Kim did not consider Ray's children when she started flirting with him, but "She's been very honest with him about her feelings.

"[18] Venn said that he thought it was "nice" for Ray to propose marriage to Kim, saying, "I imagine they would have a conventional wedding, then a reception with 70s fancy dress.

[20] In December 2012, pictures emerged in the press of Ray kissing Kim's sister Denise Fox (Diane Parish).

[21] Venn praised the storyline, saying "Obviously it's about layers and showing the different sides of my character, so for me, this is a wonderful challenge.

[25] In an early storyline, Ray takes a disliking to Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) when he stores illegal alcohol in the basement of The Queen Victoria.

"[3] Venn also said he could imagine Sasha's mother appearing on screen, saying, "EastEnders likes to keep you guessing, and I think that's a storyline with legs.

"[3][19] In June 2012, it was announced that Kat Moon, played by Jessie Wallace, would embark on a long-running mystery affair with another Albert Square resident.

The identity of the mystery man was kept secret from both cast and crew, as well as viewers, and all scenes of Kat with her lover were filmed with an extra.

[26] Speaking of the storyline, executive producer Lorraine Newman said: "The consequences are not only great for Kat and Alfie, but also for each individual suspect.

The audience will join the cast and crew guessing across the summer and autumn as we eliminate the suspects one at a time, leading to one almighty explosion.

"[27] Daniel Kilkelly from entertainment website Digital Spy said that Ray appears to be a "decent family guy" and may not be the top suspect, but he is very flirtatious and his chef's job in The Queen Victoria, where Kat is landlady, would give him the perfect opportunity.

Venn praised the storyline and the fact that the character could show a more serious side, saying, "For me, of course, I was very impressed by EastEnders for even making the choice to tackle such a pertinent, very relevant issue.

He went on to say that Ray would "help empower [youths], so they can equip themselves in situations similar to that—[to have] a bit more self-respect, know how to carry themselves and not deal with it in a violent or aggressive manner."

"[30] On 16 April 2013, it was announced that Venn was leaving the show, with Ray making his final appearance in May, as producers had decided to write him out.

I couldn't have asked for a better team to work with and have found a lifelong friend in my on-screen partner Tameka [Empson].

"[31] Ray is first mentioned in the episode broadcast on 9 January 2012, when Morgan asks about his father and Bianca says it is Barack Obama.

Bianca's adopted daughter, Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), knowing the truth, attempts to contact Ray.

Ray claims that the police officer is being racist, but feels he cannot do anything about it, until Kim and Denise urge him to become a mentor for children facing similar circumstances.

[57] With funding from Sport England, he successfully starts his mentoring scheme, "Fighting Fit", at the local boxing club.

[61] Ray then ends his relationship with Kim, saying they are too different,[62] but she continues to send text messages in the hope they will reconcile.

[64] Kim and Ray start talking when she asks a favour for her bed and breakfast,[65] while he struggles to cope with caring for Sasha and working at the pub.

They generally come laden with baggage, burdened with dark secrets and—almost always—have the same attitude to monogamy as a cocker spaniel on heat.