Beth Cordingly has started playing Ruby Milligan in Emmerdale having previously starred in Family Affairs, EastEnders, Dead Set, Secret Diary of a Call Girl and The Burning Girls
Beth Cordingly didn’t have to search far for guidance after receiving an opportunity to star in Emmerdale.
Ian Kelsey, her spouse, was in the ITV soap opera for three years in the 1990s as Dave Glover. Therefore, Beth felt he would be the ideal sounding board for her while she was debating whether to play Ruby Milligan, the fiery troublemaker.
Her three-year boyfriend Ian, 57, as well as her parents and children, urged her to pursue it. “Ian was really supportive and wanted me to do it, which is lovely,” recalls 47-year-old Beth.
As an actress, there’s that thing where you’re never able to go home. However, he fully understands. He is well-versed with the crew and cast, so it’s a pleasure to be able to tell him about my recent activities and know he will relate. That is crucial while you are away, and he is always curious about how each day’s shooting is going.
“We both give each other a lot of support for our careers, which is crucial in this highly competitive field.”
After being married to other people, the couple separated for 20 years until running into one other again in 2021. Talking about their joyful relationship, she brightens and says they have been inseparable ever since.
With a grin, Beth continues, “I am very happy and in love with Ian.” “I believe that he succeeds as an actor as well. He has been amazing.
Her own secure partnership is nothing like Beth’s new persona, Ruby. In an attempt to mend fences with her estranged spouse Caleb—who has been having an affair with Nate’s wife Tracy—she travels to the Yorkshire Dales.
It would be an understatement to say that Ruby is incensed at discovering her spouse harbours emotions for someone else. Beth says, “Caleb was Ruby’s bad boy.” “They were young when they first met; she came from a wealthy family and gave birth to Nicky.”
Caleb was all she had when her family expelled her. Despite their erratic relationship and occasional breakup, she is utterly devoted to Caleb. He is essential to her existence. The unspoken rule is that you may flirt while they’re on a “break” as long as you don’t fall in love with anybody else.
Thus, Tracy threatens Ruby when she gets to Yorkshire. She decides to ruin Tracy since she believes he has emotions for her. She doesn’t care who she harms and is a fireball of trouble. She also loses her anger easily.
Above all, however, she has a strong affection for Caleb. She feels like the world is hers when they are together. Being such a troublemaker is so much fun, and at my age, it’s not often that you are given roles like Ruby, so it would have been difficult to decline this role. She is very erratic!
Ruby and Kim Tate, the other major “soap bitch” on the show, have previously been compared. To complete the circle, Ian’s character on the soap opera, Dave, had a notorious affair with Kim.
Beth remarks, “Ruby isn’t as sophisticated as Kim Tate.” “Kim is more composed and way cooler. Claire, who portrays Kim, is an incredible actress, so it’s great that we get to spend some moments together.
In real life, I would like to believe that I am more of a people-pleaser and more gentler than Ruby. That being said, my mother Ruby chuckled and remarked, “It won’t be a problem for you to act out,” when I informed her I had an impetuous temper.
It’s understandable why the amiable actress has blended in so well with the rest of the Emmerdale cast—a lady who wears her heart on her sleeve.
“I really have been extremely fortunate,” Beth exclaims. “I can’t believe how beautiful everyone is. On set, there’s a great positive vibe that makes you want to stay forever and is also really tempting.
“The actors Lewis, who portrays her son Nicky, and Will, who plays Caleb, are equally amazing. We’ve effortlessly been part of that ideal family television scenario.
Beth smiles and confesses that she looks over the screenplay every week with a great deal of anxiety. She laughs, “I always wonder what on earth she will do next!” “I had also forgotten how many scenes in soap operas include snogging. Although I normally find it humiliating, I always wanted to be one of those actresses that is extremely cool about it.
She has had to learn how to juggle her profession and spend quality time with her family at home because of the drive from her Sussex home to the Leeds TV studio.
“But I am slowly learning and I am so glad I accepted the role,” she continues.
Not that TV is unfamiliar to Beth. She has appeared in a number of television shows over the course of her 25-year career, including The Burning Girls, EastEnders, Dead Set, Family Affairs, and PC Kerry Young in The Bill. Twenty years later, Beth says she and the other cast members of The Bill still keep in frequent contact and talk on a Whatsapp group.
“It’s quite encouraging that people continue to discuss my part in The Bill,” she remarks.
“I am fortunate to have had so many excellent jobs.” Like Ruby, my character Sara in Family Affairs was complex. However, I like portraying characters who provide drama.
Starring in the Merry Wives of Windsor and Romeo and Juliet plays by the Royal Shakespeare Company was one of her finest professional experiences.
“As I approach my late forties, I’ve realised I’ve played some amazing roles,” Beth continues. “I’m so glad I made the trip to the RSC, even though it took me 20 years.” When I worked on the plays, I even had the opportunity to meet the King. The King’s passion for Shakespeare is the reason I was invited to Windsor. I thought to myself, “What am I doing here?” as I stood between my hero, Judi Dench, and another icon, Helena Bonham Carter. It resembled an out-of-body encounter.
She now has very little spare time due to her new commute. She does, however, like motorcycling with Ian when she has the chance; the two just uploaded a humorous video of their journey to Normandy on YouTube.
With a smile, Beth continues, “Ian rides the bike.” “I just take a seat and hang on!”
Resuming her role in the soap opera, Beth grinned and said she expected mixed reactions from fans once they saw Ruby’s true nature.
She acknowledges, “I won’t be looking at Google when the scenes are first aired.” “She will either be loved or hated, I know that. People adore troublemakers, so although some may think she’s terrible, I believe there are others who will find her endearing.
“She has an amazing collection that exudes designer glamour, and she will be sporting several figure-hugging gowns. At home, I like to wear jeans and a T-shirt, but after seeing some of her outfits, I’m not sure whether I should be trying harder!”
“That’s the best thing about being an actress,” Beth chuckles when asked what she would most want to happen to her new role. I’m not required to decide anything. Still, it would be fantastic if she stayed with Caleb.
And I would really want her to keep stirring up mischief. Being kind is tedious.
Weekdays at 7.30 p.m. on ITV1 and STV, Emmerdale.
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