UPDATE: |Emmerdale’s Beth Cordingly says ‘will always touch my heart’ as co-star recalls ‘first TV job’ News

The actress made a tribute to a former role as Laura Norton shared her own experience

Emmerdale star Beth Cordingly took to her Instagram as she said “it will always touch my heart” when wishing William Shakespeare a “happy birthday”.

Beth joined the Dales last year to take on the role of Ruby Miligan and in recent months she’s been centre stage in one of the most harrowing storylines involving the abuse from her estranged father, Anthony Fox.

Anthony also arrived in Emmerdale last year alongside Ruby’s daughter, Steph. While Ruby appeared uncomfortable around Anthony, it wasn’t until flashbacks aired that viewers understood why his presence disturbed her.

The ITV soap showed that Anthony had repeatedly abused Ruby as a teenager, and even fathered Steph. After Caleb found out, he made it his mission to confront him.

After escaping, Anthony was met with Aaron Dingle who beat him until he lay down on the depot floor covered in blood. It was Ruby who ended his life, with John Sugden clearing the crime scene of any evidence – including his body.

In recent episodes, Steph has been struggling since learning the truth and the family have tried their best to keep their composure – particularly with Joe Tate sniffing around.

Taking to her Instagram, Beth posted a throwback snap of her on stage performing as Mistress Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor. She wrote: “Happy birthday #shakespeare.

“Your understanding of the human condition and the words you choose for us to describe it, will always touch my heart. ‘Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.'”

Emmerdale co-star Laura Norton took to the comments as she asked: “Is that Rebecca??” referencing Rebecca Lacey in the picture who performed as Mistress Page.

After Beth confirmed that it is, Laura replied: “beautiful lady. First ever TV job when I was 14”.

Laura first starred in the TV show Badger after securing the role during her acting work with a youth theatre project thanks to Live Theatre in Newcastle.

Badger only ran for two seasons before it no longer aired after 2000. Laura worked alongside Rebecca who played the role of Claire Armitage in the police drama.

Since then, Laura joined Emmerdale in 2012 to take on the role of Kerry Wyatt who has recently grieved the loss of her estranged daughter, Amy Wyatt, after she died in the Valentine’s limo crash.

Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.