Emmerdale star Beth Cordingly, who plays the role of Ruby Fox-Miligan in the ITV soap, has taken to social media to share a sweet tribute to her co-star after his character was killed off
Emmerdale’s Beth Cordingly, who portrays Ruby Fox-Miligan in the popular ITV soap, has taken to social media to bid farewell to her co-star Nicholas Day. His character, Anthony Fox, was involved in a chilling exit storyline.
Earlier this week, viewers watched in horror as Anthony’s final scene unfolded on the Dales, where he was brutally attacked by Aaron Dingle and left for dead. Anthony had been exposed as a child abuser, preying on his own daughter Ruby. This shocking revelation came to light in a flashback episode, and last week Chas Dingle and Caleb Miligan discovered that Anthony was the father of Steph, Ruby’s daughter. Although Caleb had planned his own revenge, it was Aaron who seemingly ended Anthony’s life.
Aaron himself had suffered abuse at the hands of his father Gordon Livesy, and things escalated when Anthony cruelly mocked his past. Nick Day joined the soap late last year as the father of Beth’s character Ruby, and she took to Instagram to say goodbye to her on-screen dad.
Sharing behind-the-scenes snaps of them together, as well as photos with Georgia Jay and William Ash, Beth praised how ‘lovely’ Nick was off-screen, despite playing a character that fans hated, reports the Mirror.
“In case anyone is under any illusions I just want to stress what a beautiful man Nick Day is, in real life,” she began in the lengthy caption. “We were very lucky to have an actor of his calibre and talent playing my father, Anthony, in @emmerdale. It wasn’t an easy role for anyone to take on and he found playing this person extremely challenging,” she wrote before asking fans to ‘be kind’ if they see him out and about.
“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. 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 shared their praises for the actor in the comments, as one wrote: “If an actor is really hated on set you know they’ve played a blinder … it’s a very powerful story line which made my skin crawl…. He’s fantastic! and I hope people remember he’s only acting the part … you both deserve an award.” A second echoed: “He played the part really well. A great actor. Lovely pictures of you all x.”
“I love that you have put this out there as a gentle reminder,” praised a third.