Emmerdale fans have praised character Ruby Fox-Miligan for her recent storyline in tonight’s (15th January) episode. Actress Beth Cordingly has had to tackle some difficult episodes as viewers learnt about her father Anthony abusing her as a teenager.
Ruby joined the soap in early 2024, and has very quickly become a key character. She’s married to Caleb Dingle and has had her fair share of arguments with other villagers since joining the ITV soap.
Emmerdale aired scenes that flashbacked to Ruby turning 16, it soon became apparent that Anthony had sexually abused her, and tonight showed that Caleb is not Steph’s father leading to speculation that Anthony might be as the timeline adds up.
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Beth Cordingly previously shared Ruby’s decision to take the test: “It was from talking to Chas, plus I think it was all just brought up by her dad being there. She is really struggling and Chas, I think, believes in the love between Caleb and Ruby.
“Chas is trying to calm her down by saying Caleb would stand by her in any situation. Ruby is obviously terrified, but it is a real problem having not known for 30 years. I think she wants to put her mind at rest, to not be tortured by this anymore but she can’t guarantee that that will happen.
“The ironic thing, of course, is that if she did have proof, she wouldn’t be able to do anything about it, because she wouldn’t want to destroy Steph’s life. Her head’s in such a mess. I think she’s desperate to tell someone, but desperate not to destroy everyone else’s lives.”
Tonight’s episode became quite emotional when Caleb decided to call it quits with Ruby, as he said “there’s no coming back from this.” Fans took to social media to praise the actress for her scenes, @KEIR4W4LSH21 wrote: “Beth Cordingly TAKE A BOW!”
@fortheloveofwo3 added: “Beth Cordingly is doing such a good job of this storyline. Heartbreaking.” @ThatsOurLewis penned: “The Ruby-Anthony story is dark and gripping in #Emmerdale, I kinda think it shouldn’t be ending so quickly. Beth Cordingly remains the best Emmerdale and soap addition in years!”
Beth admitted to fans that she has “a lot of lines” to learn for her character Ruby -Credit:Beth Cordingly on Instagram
After the episode aired, Beth Cordingly posted a video to her Instagram. In the video she said: “Poor Ruby… Right, Ruby has a lot of lines tomorrow. She has even more than she did today, she has so many lines I need to put my phone somewhere like in the fridge.”
Fans flocked to the comments to share their support for the actress. @sam_ashhhh wrote: “Yes poor Ruby! I was yelling at the telly Ruby just tell him!!!! Great performance from you and Will.” @zedekiah.exe commented: “amazing performance as always – honestly the best character the soaps have bought in in YEARS.”
@ruthduignan1963 shared it was an “unreal performance”, with @_fortheloveofwords_ adding: “Tonight’s was heartbreaking. You’re doing an incredible job.”
Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.