Emmerdale stars Beth Cordingly and Georgia Jay have certainly got fans talking as mum and daughter Ruby and Steph Miligan – but are they related in real-life?
With the pair sharing more and more scenes together as Steph finds out the truth about her parentage and Ruby’s abuse, fans can’t help but focus on one thing: how alike they both are.
So is this just a case of excellent casting on the part of Emmerdale? Or are Georgia and Beth related in real life? We have the answers you’ve been looking for.
Steph and Ruby are very alike (Credit: ITV)
Steph’s time in Emmerdale
Ruby and Caleb’s estranged daughter Steph turned up in the village in November last year. She was there for her inheritance from her grandmother and then she was gone for good. Caleb was desperate for her to stay, but it was very clear there was a whole lot of family history to unpack here. And, she was absolutely not over her messy childhood.
When Ruby and Steph then reunited, things were tense. Ruby ended up slapping Steph as things got heated. They managed to make up and Steph agreed to stick around – on the proviso her grandad – Ruby’s estranged father – could stay too.
Ruby was forced to agree, despite it being obvious there was something awful between her and her dad. No one noticed, everyone thought Ruby was sour after Anthony had kicked her out for getting pregnant at 16.
But viewers were sure there was more to it. We eventually had our suspicions confirmed when it was revealed Anthony had sexually abused Ruby. Things got even sicker when we then discovered Anthony and not Caleb was Steph’s biological father.
Anthony’s been killed off (Credit: ITV)
Anthony dead in Emmerdale
With Ruby unable to tell her secret torment to anyone, it did all come crashing out when Caleb found the paternity test results and demanded answers.
Soon enough Chas had worked out the truth and Aaron also saw it. Anthony was confronted by several locals, but eventually Aaron lost his temper and beat him to a pulp. He and John later went back and found Anthony was dead.
As John set about doing an expert clean-up, what was then revealed was that in fact Ruby had found her dad alive and finished him off. The Anthony murder club, consisting of Ruby, Caleb, Aaron, John, Chas and Cain have since been determined to cover the death up.
But Steph has demanded answers. And she would not let it go. After insisting she was going to report her parents to the police, the whole horrible truth came out.
But as Steph and Ruby share even more heartbreaking scenes, fans are still distracted by just how alike the pair look.
This is very good casting (Credit: ITV)
So, are Emmerdale actresses Georgia Jay and Beth Cordingly aka Steph and Ruby related in real life?
One viewer wrote: on social media “Great casting of Steph! She looks just like Ruby!” While another added: “If not related, it’s good the writers found a lookalike actress who can also act like Ruby. She seems just as fiery as her mum, extended family to the Dingles.”
A third asked: “Is the actress who plays Ruby’s daughter any relation to her as the resemblance to Ruby is uncanny?”
A fourth replied to the question: “She even sounds like her.”
So, are they related?
The answer is no. Steph is played by newcomer Georgia Jay, who has previously had a two-episode role in 2019 BBC drama Giri/Haji. She also had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role in Silent Witness.
The actress does regularly give updates on her child on social media, but it is clear her offspring is much younger than Georgia and turned 11 in June 2024.
Beth is dating former Emmerdale star Ian Kelsey, who played Dave Glover on the soap in the 90s. He is not the father of her little girl, that is Beth’s former husband, theatre producer Adam Speers.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Beth Cordingly, who currently plays Ruby Fox-Miligan in Emmerdale regularly keeps fans updated with her life outside of the soap.
At the minute, Ruby has been embroiled in a huge abuse storyline after her father returned to her life. The actress has been thrown into the emotional storyline, and fans have applauded her.
And it seems, away from the screens, her soap partner is also extremely proud of her. So what is Beth’s life away from the Dales like? Well, lets have a look.
Beth joined Emmerdale in 2024 (Credit: ITV)
Beth Cordingly’s life before Emmerdale
Before she graced our screens as Ruby, Beth was best known for her role as PC Kerry Young in The Bill. She played the part for two years, from 2002 to 2004.
After completing a degree in English and Drama at the University of Birmingham, alongside taking part in the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, she went on to make numerous TV appearances.
She has popped up in shows like Doctors, Casualty and Secret Diary of a Call Girl – where she starred alongside Billie Piper.
Is Emmerdale star Beth Cordingly in a relationship?
It’s reported that in 2011 Beth married theatre producer Adam Speers, but five years later the couple went their separate ways.
Despite this, they co-parent a daughter, who is now 11 years old.
Beth has found love again. And it’s with someone well known to the Emmerdale community.
Ian Kelsey, who previously played Dave Glover on the soap until his character’s death in 1997.
It’s believed that Beth and Ian actually met years ago, but it wasn’t until 2021 that they reconnected and fell in love.
The couple currently do long-distance, as he travels for his acting gigs. But Beth takes to social media to quite frequently share Facetime photos gushing about her beau.
Ruby was thrown into big storylines (Credit: ITV)
What has Ian said about Beth’s current Emmerdale storyline?
Beth has been at the centre of a huge emotional storyline in Emmerdale for the last few months.
Ruby’s father arrived to the village, and it was revealed that he had sexually abused her and was the biological dad to her daughter. Then in a huge twist, Ruby murdered him.
He said: “She is doing such great work. And it’s a deep, dark storyline. She has had to step up to the plate. And her workload has been huge but she is doing a brilliant job. I am so proud of her.”
Is Beth leaving Emmerdale?
As Ruby’s powerful storyline continues, fans are left with the fear that she may be leaving the show. Especially as she has committed murder.
But as of right now, there have been no reports that suggest Beth’s time on Emmerdale may be coming to an end.
And in our opinion, her recent storyline has proved that she is a true asset to the show. So, we hope she stays for a long time.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3.Â
What do you think of Beth Cordingly in Emmerdale? Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale cast news, gossip and spoilers. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. We want to hear your thoughts!
Emmerdale actress Beth Cordingly has reached out to fans on social media over Nicholas Day, the actor playing her dad, Anthony Fox.
Viewers know Anthony is a vile man who sexually abused Ruby when she was just 14. His rapes resulted in the birth of her daughter Steph when she was 16.
But in real life, Beth insists Nicholas is a “gem”.
Ruby has been terrified of Anthony since he returned (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale star Beth Cordingly issues message to fans on social media over Anthony actor Nicholas Day
Writing on her Instagram page, Beth addressed her followers. She said: “In case anyone is under any illusions I just want to stress what a beautiful man Nick Day is, in real life. We were very lucky to have an actor of his calibre and talent playing my father, Anthony, in Emmerdale.”
The actress then continued: “It wasn’t an easy role for anyone to take on and he found playing this person extremely challenging.
“I loved working with Nick, we all did. It was an emotional experience requiring a lot of trust and a lot of love. He’s a gem.”
The Ruby Fox-Miligan star urged her followers to be kind. “If you see him in the street please remember he’s NOT Anthony. I’m sure you all will – so forgive me for sounding patronising – I just wanted to say. Sometimes, as actors, we need a little bit of protection when we put ourselves out there telling difficult stories that need to be told.”
Fans and other co-stars were quick to agree with Beth, with Amy Walsh (Tracy Robinson) commenting: “Ah, what a gent! I had the honour of a couple of scenes with him! Lovely man.”
A fan wrote: “He really did play his part well, right down to the crazed look in his eyes in some scenes, I’d love to see him in a Shakespeare play, think he’d be awesome in one.”
“If an actor is really hated you know they’ve played a blinder… it’s a very powerful storyline which made my skin crawl…. He’s fantastic! I hope people remember he’s only acting the part… you both deserve an award,” agreed another one.
One more added: “So nice of you to say this. I echo what many have said. I hated Anthony, he made my skin crawl. Proving what a fantastic and brave actor Nick Day is, it can’t be easy to play a character like this. Another hard hitting storyline done well by Emmerdale.”
Anthony has made Ruby’s life hell (Credit: ITV)
Praise for Emmerdale’s Beth Cordingly and Nicholas Day
In fact, both Beth and Nicholas have come in for huge praise during this hard-hitting storyline. Nicholas has created one of the most vile villains ever to grace our screens.
And the scenes in which Ruby confronted her dad left fans in no doubt what a star Beth is.
One fan wrote: “Beth Cordingly is a phenomenal talent. ITV are so lucky to have her as Ruby!”
Another praised: “Beth Cordingly is award-worthy on Emmerdale this week. May Ruby remain at the centre of the show forever.”
“Give Beth Cordingly all of the awards. This is a very dark, dark storyline, even for a soap. And she has been amazing,” another fan commented.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Viewers have praised Beth for her performance and for handling such a delicate subject matter with care. Now, Beth has taken to social media to thank fans for their nice words.
It was revealed last week that Anthony is Steph’s father (Credit: ITV)
What happened to Ruby in Emmerdale?
Viewers were aware that Ruby was estranged from her parents, but it wasn’t until Anthony Fox arrived in November that the reasons became clear.
During a special flashback episode of Emmerdale, scenes from Ruby’s 16th birthday party were shown. A young Ruby was shown looking scared and begging ‘not again, not today’ as her evil dad approached her in her bedroom.
Last week, Ruby bravely confronted her dad about the sexual abuse she faced as a kid. Anthony of course tried to twist everything, but Ruby stayed firm.
She revealed she had been only 14 the first time it had happened, before telling her dad: ‘You raped me.’
Anthony would not admit to anything and told his daughter he just wanted to make her feel special and she couldn’t prove otherwise. However, Ruby informed her shocked dad that she had proof of what he did because he is Steph’s real rather and a DNA test would show that.
Fans have praised Beth Cordingly’s performance (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale: Beth Cordingly thanks fans for support
Actress Beth was overwhelmed with the response to Ruby’s storyline and took to Instagram to thank fans for their support.
“THANK YOU to everyone for your amazing messages. Working on this storyline is an enormous privilege and we all really care about it. The cast, crew, producers, writers,” she wrote.
“It’s been one of the great privileges of my life (truly) to say these words on behalf of RUBYS everywhere… and all that we hoped for as a team on Emmerdale is that we could – in some small way – make you feel respected and heard.
“Sorry I can’t reply to every message but I do read them. I’m so grateful for your courage in sharing your thoughts and feelings with me.”
Included in the Instagram post was a video, in which Beth added: “I’m really proud and I feel really privileged I’ve been involved in this storyline. Thank you for your amazing messages.
“We really care about it, everyone cares about it at work and everyone. The producers, writers, the crew, everyone’s so invested – camera, sound, makeup, costume, all the actors, everyone’s really invested and it’s been an amazing experience to work on it.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Ruby Fox-Miligan in Emmerdale has only been in the village for a year, but she’s definitely made her mark and she’s becoming a fan favourite. She is the wife of businessman Caleb Miligan and mum to their son Nicky Miligan, and their estranged daughter, Steph, who recently arrived in Emmerdale.
Ruby’s outspoken and no-holds-barred personality hasn’t always won her many fans, especially at first, but viewers have got to know her now and seen her more vulnerable side.
And the recent arrival of her father, Anthony, that opened up Ruby’s past has left fans in awe of Beth Cordingly, who plays Ruby. It has been revealed that the ruthless, outspoken exterior hides a painful past in which she was sexually abused by her dad.
Caleb’s ex-wife Ruby is a force to be reckoned with (Credit: ITV)
Who is Ruby Fox Miligan in Emmerdale?
The character made her on-screen debut in January 2024 and it was quite the entrance!
Viewers first caught sight of Ruby when Nate Robinson burst in on her and Caleb romping on the sofa in Mill Cottage.
First impressions of Ruby suggested she was feisty, ruthless and has a lust for the finer things. Caleb’s successful business ventures have afforded them a very comfortable lifestyle, which Ruby clearly enjoys.
Despite Caleb leading everyone to believe he and Ruby were estranged when he first came to the village, the couple are still very much together. Though they’ve had their ups and downs and Caleb revealed to Chas that Steph‘s turbulent childhood was in part due to her finding out about an affair he’d had.
Ruby and Caleb have been an item for over 30 years, since they were teenagers, and she’s clearly very possessive over him.
Caleb was caught with his trousers down (Credit: ITV)
Ruby’s dramatic arrival
Emmerdale fans aren’t going to forget Ruby’s spicy debut in a hurry.
Ruby was caught enjoying a spot of afternoon delight with Caleb by Nate – who had stormed into Mill Cottage expecting to find his uncle with his wife, Tracy.
She’s no fool and Ruby’s suspicions were quickly aroused. She soon tracked Caleb and Tracy to find out the truth.
Ruby was quick to discover her husband had been playing away (again). She then ensured maximum embarrassment by publicly outing Caleb and Tracy’s affair at Belle and Tom’s wedding reception.
Things are fiery to say the least! (Credit: ITV)
Ruby and Caleb’s relationship in Emmerdale
Ruby and Caleb’s marriage is best described as dysfunctional. The couple have been together for nearly three decades and have certainly had their ups and downs during that time.
Their upbringings couldn’t have been more different. Ruby came from a well-to-do family, while Caleb was raised in the care system.
They met as teenagers and it wasn’t long before Ruby fell pregnant. Her family disapproved of their relationship and forced Ruby to make a choice between them and Caleb, and she opted for the latter. But now we know that’s not actually the full story. More on that later.
Ruby is more than a match for cocky Caleb, and has totally got the measure of him. She’s fully aware of his extramarital antics, and tolerates him cheating while she’s not around. However Tracy was different as she could see he had developed real feelings for his nephew’s wife.
Caleb and Ruby are now officially back together. And she’ll be keeping a very close eye on him – expect fireworks!
Nicky’s bond with his mother is being tested right now (Credit: ITV)
She’s a protective mum
Ruby is very close to her only son, Nicky Miligan.
Ruby trusts Nicky with her secrets, but as a result he often found himself caught in the middle of her and Caleb’s problems.
And he definitely doesn’t always approve of his mum’s actions. He moved out of the family home, unable to live with her due to what she did to Ethan. And now he and partner Suni have left the village in order to get some space.
Things aren’t all smiles between Ruby and Steph (Credit: ITV)
Relationship with Steph
When Ruby first arrived in Emmerdale we didn’t know she and Caleb had a daughter, too. They didn’t speak about Steph until Ruby’s mum died and old family secrets got dragged up.
Now Steph’s arrived in the village wanting her inheritance and with a few scores to settle too. Ruby has desperately been trying to make amends with her daughter, but unfortunately Ruby’s dad comes as part of the package.
Steph has developed a close relationship with the man she believes to only be her grandfather. She has forced Anthony upon Ruby and insisted they get along, or else Ruby will lose Steph for good. But little does Steph – or anyone, in fact – know the terrible secret Ruby has been hiding about her dad since she was a teen.
Ruby is clearly terrified of her dad, Anthony (Credit: ITV)
What happened between Ruby and her dad in Emmerdale?
Ever since Anthony arrived in Emmerdale it has been very clear Ruby can’t bear to be near him. In public, he is charming and generous and everyone in the village loves him. Even Caleb, who believes Anthony threw his wife out because she was pregnant, has warmed to him and has urged Ruby to forgive him. Especially as Anthony claims to be dying from cancer.
Ruby has put on a brave face as much as she can. This despite Anthony’s sinister behaviour and threats to reveal her hook-up with Cain. It was soon very clear to viewers there was much more to this. Then in December 2024, flashbacks to Ruby’s 16th birthday, revealedthat her dad had sexually abused her as a child. It started when Ruby was just 14.
When Ruby fell pregnant she didn’t know if Anthony or Caleb was the father. Desperate to believe it was the man she loved, Ruby left with Caleb. She has kept her secret for over 30 years.
Until now, when Anthony’s presence and the encouragement of Chas, has made Ruby seek answers. However, they were the answers she didn’t want: Caleb is not Steph’s father. This leaves only one outcome: Steph is the product of incest and her grandad is also her dad.
Anthony is set to be murdered in the coming weeks after the truth comes out. But is Ruby the one responsible for ending her father’s life – and easing her own pain after all these years?
Cain and Ruby was all kings of wrong and we do not approve (Credit: ITV)
Fling with Cain Dingle
In amongst the devastation of having her abusive father back in her life, Ruby started to spiral. She sought solace in Cain’s garage, where he was also seeking comfort at the bottom of a whiskey bottle as his wife, Moira, was having brain surgery.
One thing led to another and Cain and Ruby slept together. Just once. And it was very definitely a mistake, one neither of them wants to repeat.
In fact, now they are just desperate to keep it quiet. But Cain’s guilt is eating away at him, plus Anthony now knows the truth and is using it to blackmail Ruby. Can Cain stop the secret getting out?
Ruby didn’t get to see her mum before she died (Credit: ITV)
Ruby’s mum
When Ruby’s mum was dying, she wanted to see her daughter. But Caleb intercepted the phone call and went to see his mother-in-law, Helen, instead.
He blackmailed Helen into giving him £100,000 and robbed Ruby of the chance to speak to her estranged mum before she died.
But the question remains whether Helen knew of Ruby’s abuse and failed to act? Or was she oblivious to the whole thing?
Ruby wanted to make Ethan pay, but feels awful for how it turned out (Credit: ITV)
Is Ruby a killer?
When son Nicky was left in a coma with a bleed on the brain following a car accident, Ruby wanted revenge. Of course she was never going to get revenge through the normal, legal channels and instead drove a car at the person who had been driving when Nicky was hurt.
She knocked down Ethan Anderson and made it very clear next time she would finish the job. However it seems she didn’t have to because despite getting up and walking away, a few days later, Ethan dropped dead.
His father Charles believed it was as a direct result of the hit and run, but Ruby kept quiet over her involvement .
The coroner then confirmed Ethan had a brain aneurism and Ruby was not responsible for Ethan’s death.
They are plotting (Credit: ITV)
Ruby and Rose Jackson
When Dawn Fletcher’s estranged mum, Rose, arrived in the Dales having walked out on her when she was just five years old, it seemed a strange coincidence. But of course, nothing’s ever a coincidence in Soapland and it was soon discovered by viewers Rose hadn’t arrived of her own accord at all.
In fact, Ruby had paid off all her debts in exchange for her help ruining Kim Tate’s life. When Ruby first arrived she had actually tried to team up with Kim to take down Caleb, however, Kim didn’t trust her and Ruby ended up back in Caleb’s arms anyway.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale star Beth Cordingly has said there is ‘no way’ that an affair will develop between Ruby and Cain – and we’re relieved!
Last month, Ruby Fox-Miligan slept with her brother-in-law Cain Dingle, with the pair agreeing to keep the fling a secret.
The storyline hasn’t pleased fans, but viewers will be happy to know that it won’t be developing into a full-blown affair.
Cain had a fling with sister-in-law Ruby (Credit: ITV)
Ruby cheats on Caleb with Cain
Last month, Cain struggled to cope while his wife Moira Dingle was undergoing surgery for a brain tumour.
In a special episode, Cain’s story was told in reverse chronological order. Viewers first saw him with bloodied hands while drinking whiskey.
As the clock went back further, viewers were shocked and annoyed when Cain and Ruby were shown putting their clothes on, while telling each other that no one should ever find out about what they’d done.
The following day, Caleb Miligan found a box of emergency contraception in the bin (You could have hidden it better, Ruby!) Fortunately for Ruby, Caleb was convinced it belonged to daughter Steph, so Cain and Ruby’s secret remains a secret, for now.
Ruby will not be embarking on an affair (Credit: ITV)
Beth Cordingly speaks out
Emmerdale star Beth Cordingly has said her character Ruby will not be having an affair with Cain.
Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, Beth said there was ‘no way’ an affair would develop between the pair. She added: ‘[The one-night stand] was two people pressing the self-destruct button, who both just happened to be there, and they probably regretted it as it was happening.
‘Whenever I bump into Jeff [Hordley, who plays Cain] or Nat [J Robb, who plays Moira], I’m like, “Has Moira found out yet?” as if it’s real. I’m dreading it!’
The actress also opened up on the possibility of Ruby getting pregnant with Cain’s baby. She said: ‘Well, we saw Caleb find the morning after pill in the bin, didn’t we? So, we know Ruby’s taken it.
‘I suppose the thing about soap is that you have to keep throwing grenades into the scenario. When everyone’s happy and ticking along it’s boring, and no one wants to watch that!’
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale star Beth Cordingly has responded to rumours that her character Ruby Fox-Miligan is set to leave the Dales.
Ruby has taken centre stage in recent Emmerdale episodes, with viewers heaping praise on Beth Cordingly for her portrayal of Ruby. But recent reports suggesting she may soon be leaving the soap have had fans worried.
However, the actress has now posted a video to Instagram and responded to the rumours.
Ruby has become a fan favourite (Credit: ITV)
Beth Cordingly responds to exit rumours
In an Instagram video, the actress has reassured fans that she isn’t going anywhere.
“Hi, I just wanted to clear something up because loads of people keep contacting me and saying, ‘Oh I hear you’re leaving the show’,” she said.
She added: “There’s some sort of fake news article going round saying all sorts of stuff. For the record, if I’m allowed to say this, I’m not leaving the show at the moment – as far as I know – I’m having a really lovely time.
“I adore my job, and I definitely don’t feel I’ve been mistreated by any producers. I’m being treated very well and I’m having a lovely time.”
Her followers shared their relief at the news. One fan said: “You’re never allowed to leave… Best Emmerdale casting in years, absolutely love Ruby!”
Another viewer wrote: “Love your character in Emmerdale you are a brilliant actress and I love all of Ruby’s outfits,” while many others praised the star for her acting during the current hard-hitting storyline.
Devastating scenes revealed Ruby had been abused (Credit: ITV)
What happened to Ruby in Emmerdale?
Since arriving in the village at the start of the year, Ruby quickly established herself as a popular character. But it’s only recently that her background has been explored.
In devastating flashback scenes that aired last week, it was revealed that Ruby had been sexually abused by her father Anthony when she was younger.
The flashback scenes depicted Ruby’s 16th birthday party. After everyone had left, Anthony took Ruby some cake in her room. In scenes that followed later, after he locked the door, Ruby looked visibly scared as she begged “Please not again. Not today.”
The special episode also hinted that Caleb Miligan may not be Steph’s father. With so much more to explore in this storyline, fans will be pleased that Beth is staying put.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale aired powerful scenes during tonight’s episode, with emotional fans calling Beth Cordingly and her performance ‘outstanding’.
Since the arrival of her estranged daughter and father, it’s been clear that Ruby Fox-Miligan has been holding something back. The truth was finally revealed in a special hour-long episode tonight (Thursday, December 12).
The episode, which featured flashback scenes, has been described by viewers as ‘incredible’, while Beth, who plays Ruby, was singled out for praise.
Prior to broadcast, Emmerdale shared a trigger warning and confirmed that Ruby was the victim of sexual abuse as a child. Tonight’s flashback scenes revealed just what happened.
After Steph discovered a photo of her mum celebrating her 16th birthday, Ruby’s mind was taken back to that day in 1992.
In the present day, oblivious Steph met up with her grandad, where she told him she was hopeful that he and her mum could repair their relationship.
However, further flashbacks revealed why that might not be possible. As the episode went on, there were several triggers which took Ruby back to her 16th birthday – Cain’s birthday cake and Anthony telling Caleb Miligan that Ruby had been a hypochondriac when she was younger.
In the present day, Ruby told her dad: “We both know exactly what happened on my 16th,” with the final flashback clearing everything up. Horrific scenes showed Anthony taking birthday cake to Ruby in her room. As he locked the door behind him, a distressed Ruby told him: “Please dad, I don’t feel very well.”
Anthony responded: “You’ve always been a bit of a hypochondriac. You’ve been fine all day.” In a chilling moment, 16-year-old Ruby pleaded: “Please not again. Not today.”
It was also revealed that Steph was conceived around that time, with Caleb implying he and Ruby had done the deed just a few days after Ruby’s 16th. Could Anthony be Steph’s father?
Ruby has struggled since Anthony arrived (Credit: ITV)
Fans praise Beth Cordingly in Emmerdale
Emmerdale viewers rushed to social media to praise the show and, in particular, star Beth Cordingly.
Writing on X, one viewer said: “BethCordingly is absolutely outstanding in tonight’s @emmerdale. The storyline is very, very difficult to watch but a very important one to tell.”
Another fan said: “Tonight’s #Emmerdale was incredible and powerful. Beth Cordingly is fantastic as Ruby.”
“Beth Cordingly (Ruby) is just an incredible actress and the best thing to happen to Emmerdale. She’s awesome!” shared one more.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter@emmerdaleinside
In a series of flashbacks to Ruby’s 16th birthday viewers saw the reason for Ruby’s extreme reaction to her dad’s return to her life. It turned out poor Ruby was a victim of sexual violence by her father and suddenly her panic attacks and struggle to cope with her dad’s presence made sense.
Ruby was thinking about her 16th birthday (Credit: ITV)
Flashbacks to the past
The episode was cleverly done – swapping between the Dingles gathering for Cain’s 50th celebrations and flashbacks to Ruby’s 16th birthday.
At first, viewers were led to believe that Ruby’s old friend Rob could have been involved in her trauma. Anthony pointed him out in the photograph of the party and asked Ruby if she was sorry they’d lost touch.
“He was one of the good ones,” Ruby commented.
Terrified Ruby as a teenager was hurt by her father (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale Ruby was struggling
As the episode went on, it was clear Ruby was struggling. Despite her slapping on a brave face and forcing herself along to Cain’s party, it was obvious she wasn’t comfortable.
And when the flashbacks revealed more, we could see why. It turned out, Rob was gay and only a friend to Ruby. It was Anthony who was the real predator.
In the present day, he clocked the tension between Cain and Ruby, and realised what had happened, making barbed comments to his distressed daughter.
The flashback was even more upsetting as after the party, Anthony came into Ruby’s bedroom and told her that her mum – Helen – had gone round to a friend’s.
Clearly frightened, Ruby begged her father not to do it again as he came towards her…
Ruby’s clearly not doing well (Credit: ITV/Composite: EI)
A dark twist
Back in the present day, there was a grim moment as Anthony toasted Steph and told Caleb very pointedly that he was lucky Steph was his daughter. WHAT did he mean by that? Is he Steph’s father?
This storyline is one of the darkest in Emmerdale’s history – and if it turns Anthony is both Steph’s grandfather and father, then it’s unprecedented in soap.
There have been family sexual abuse stories in soaps before, going right back to Brookside’s Beth Jordache’s ordeal at the hands of father Trevor, and Mandy Richardson in Hollyoaks being abused by her dad, Dennis.
Since then we’ve seen Emmerdale’s Aaron Dingle face his abusive dad Gordon in court, and Paul Foreman deal with his grooming by his stepdad Kel Hinchley in Coronation Street.
Plus Hollyoaks recently tackled sibling sexual abuse with JJ and Frankie.
But it feels like Emmerdale is breaking new ground with this story.
Ruby wasn’t happy to see her dad (Credit: ITV)
A tricky one for Emmerdale to tackle – and for Ruby
There is no doubt that Beth Cordingly, who plays Ruby, and Nicholas Day, AKA Anthony, have the acting chops to pull this storyline off.
Beth Cordingly has already made us so invested in Ruby’s past – brilliantly portraying her alter ego as damaged and vulnerable as well as brash and confident.
And yet – there’s something about this storyline that leaves us a little uncomfortable.
We’ve been watching soaps for a long time. We know they handle tricky topics sensitively and carefully, and play a huge role in raising awareness and sharing messages.
Emmerdale in particular has managed to pull off huge stunts, shocking stories and dramatic confrontations before the watershed.
But in this case, this storyline is very grim, very dark, and possibly more suited to a late-night gritty drama than primetime soap.
We’ve got faith in Emmerdale’s writers, actors and crew but this will be a tricky story to get right. We’ll wait and see what happens next.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
She’s only been on Emmerdale for less than a year, but Ruby Fox-Miligan has already become one of the soap’s most iconic characters. Following husband Caleb into the village in the wake of his revenge plot against Kim Tate (whatever happened there, eh), Ruby quickly established herself as a figure to be reckoned with.
Recent weeks have seen her reckon with the arrival of her estranged daughter and father. While she was keen to make up with daughter Steph, seeing Anthony again has brought old traumas bubbling to the fore.
1. Beth Cordingly’s performance as Ruby in Emmerdale
Former The Bill and Heartbeat actor Beth Cordingly, 48, has been a powerhouse since joining the soap. Between the explosive outbursts and her quiet heartbreak at years of betrayal and rejection, the star has taken it all in her stride. Love or hate Ruby (and there’s plenty in both camp), there’s no arguing that Beth Cordingly isn’t giving it her all.
“Beth Cordingly (Ruby) is just an incredible actress & the best thing to happen to Emmerdale. She’s awesome!” wrote one viewer on X this week.
2. Her backstory
As they did with Caleb, the writers were slow to reveal Ruby’s history prior to arriving in the village. After reuniting with Caleb and after the exit of son Nicky, Ruby gradually began to open up about her family.
First there was mum Helen, who died before Ruby could see her one last time. Then, we learned about the existence of daughter Steph. But where was Steph? This became clear months later, as Steph arrived in town… with granddad Anthony in tow.
Ruby’s backstory keeps revealing layers to the character; each fresh revelation explaining her firebrand behaviour a little bit more.
“I have been desperate for AGES to find out more about Ruby and her backstory (and Caleb keeps RUINING it). I am becoming increasingly emotionally attached to this woman by the day,” wrote one fan.
“Enjoyable character. Rare for modern Emmerdale – I just want to know more of their past, there clearly is a lot there,” another agreed.
How to make friends and influence people: Ruby style (Credit: ITV)
3. Drama always follows Ruby on Emmerdale
Where there is Ruby, drama will be sure to follow. This was quickly established as she introduced herself to the in-laws by crashing Belle and Tom’s wedding party, exposing Caleb’s affair with Tracy and causing quite the circus.
She followed this up with a scuffle in the Woolpack, where she gave Cain a knee to the crown jewels and, later, elbowed Chas in the breast… only weeks after she’d undergone surgery for breast cancer.
Ruby may have made nice with the Dingles since, but chaos is never far away where Ruby is concerned.
4. Her sharp tongue
Not only is Ruby a physically formidable figure (just ask Cain), she also possesses the sharpest tongue in the Dales. This was in full show earlier this week as dad Anthony confronted her over Caleb’s affair with Tracy.
When he pressed her over how she could stand for such a philanderer, she countered by telling him that cheating was a two way street. “You’re assuming it’s another man, then,” Ruby countered, when Anthony wondered who the other man is.
A smart comeback is never far away, even in the face of a man she’s obviously traumatised by.
A match made in heaven? (Credit: ITV)
5. Her relationship with Caleb
No, hear us out. They may be one of the soap’s most toxic couples, but there’s no denying that their relationship is also one of its most interesting. Between his cheating (and hers), and her revenge plans (and his), plus their general incapability of being honest… they kind of deserve each other.
“We’ve only watched Ruby/Caleb onscreen for just under a year, yet their relationship is more complex than many couples we’ve followed for a decade,” wrote one fan.
“She’s a fantastic actor but a repugnant character, her and Caleb are very well suited,” said another.
Moira shared a gift from Glasgow with Ruby (Credit: ITV)
6. Her relationships with the other characters
Ruby made no shortage of enemies in the village upon her arrival, quickly upsetting each and every one of the Dingles. Months later, she was the recipient of one of Moira’s signature gifts from Glasgow, after Moira became convinced she’d been having an affair with Cain (yeah, about that…)
It’s to her credit, then, that she’s managed to win over all the haters; befriending Chas, bedding Cain and even making up with Moira. How that will all come crumbling down once the affair is exposed remains to be seen, but her interactions with the rest of the cast are nothing short of fabulous.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
