In an exciting twist for fans of Emmerdale, the soap is gearing up to introduce two significant new characters: Ruby Fox

Milligan’s long-lost father, Anthony, portrayed by the veteran actor Nicholas Day, and her estranged daughter, Steph,

played by Georgia J. These fresh arrivals are set to shake things up in the village, rekindling unresolved emotions and

long-buried secrets within Ruby’s family, especially since her mother’s recent passing. As these complex relationships come to light, viewers can expect both drama and emotional depth as the characters navigate the pain and challenges of reuniting after years apart.

Behind the scenes, Nicholas Day brings a wealth of experience and gravitas to his role as Anthony. At 77, he’s no stranger to British television audiences, having had an illustrious career spanning decades. Known for roles in series like Minder and The Crown, as well as providing narration for Netflix‘s Myths and Monsters, Day has left an indelible mark on British entertainment. His portrayal of Detective Sergeant Michael Morley in Minder showcased his knack for playing gritty characters, while his recent portrayal of Jim Prior in The Crown demonstrated his skill at embodying complex historical roles. Day has also taken on some iconic roles in British drama, such as Jack the Ripper in Goodnight Sweetheart and DCS John Meredith in Foyle’s War. His other TV appearances include Margaret, The Take, and New Tricks, where he played Deputy Assistant Commissioner Donald Bevan.

Nicholas Day’s impressive filmography extends beyond television; he’s appeared in films like Penelope Pulls It Off, The Golden Bowl, Russian Dolls, and Amazing Grace. His career began with a different calling, however: a brief period as a supply teacher in the early 1980s at Plumstead Manor School for Girls, where he taught drama. This early experience with young people may have given him a grounding that he’s carried into his on-screen roles, especially as he now steps into the emotionally complex character of Anthony in Emmerdale.

Day’s private life, much like the character he plays, is shrouded in mystery. Known for his discretion, Day rarely discusses personal details publicly. To this day, his relationship status remains a mystery to the public, which only adds to his mystique. As a figure both in and out of the spotlight, he manages to balance a vibrant career with a fiercely protected private life, allowing his work to speak for itself.

In Emmerdale, Day’s character Anthony is portrayed as a once fiery personality who, over the years, has mellowed, presenting a charm to those who encounter him. However, the serene exterior belies a complicated relationship with his daughter Ruby, who hasn’t seen her father in over three decades. Anthony’s return to Ruby’s life, after years of estrangement, is set to unravel a series of emotional confrontations and perhaps even painful revelations. His character’s on-screen dynamic with Ruby is expected to stir strong emotions, both in the characters and the audience, as they begin to explore the root causes of their separation.

Nicholas Day shared his excitement about joining Emmerdale, noting that he has felt incredibly welcomed by the cast and crew. “I’ve been made so welcome in the Emmerdale family, and my screen family is great to work with. The scenes just fly—I feel blessed,” he said. It’s clear that Day feels at home on set and is enjoying bringing Anthony’s character to life, with his chemistry with his on-screen family already creating compelling interactions.

Georgia J, who portrays Anthony’s estranged granddaughter Steph, expressed similar enthusiasm. “I am thrilled to be joining the cast of Emmerdale,” she shared. “The cast and crew have all been so welcoming, and I’m very excited to see what lies ahead for Steph given her intriguing backstory.” With Steph’s arrival, Ruby’s world is set to be turned upside down, forcing her to reconcile with past decisions and confront the impact of their years apart.

Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper also expressed excitement about the new characters, highlighting that Nicholas Day and Georgia J’s arrivals are designed to add depth to Ruby’s storyline. “We’re delighted to welcome Nicholas and Georgia to Emmerdale as part of the Milligan family. With so much yet to uncover about Ruby, the arrival of her father and daughter will unlock her past and bring challenges for Ruby and Caleb in ways we’ve never seen before,” Roper explained. With these two experienced actors stepping into such pivotal roles, the show is certainly poised for emotional revelations and significant character development.

Fans can anticipate the debut of Anthony and Steph in Emmerdale later this month, promising both heartfelt moments and intriguing developments in Ruby’s storyline. As Nicholas Day steps into the role of Anthony, audiences are eager to see how his off-screen experience and subtle mystery enrich his portrayal, adding yet another layer to the beloved and ever-evolving tapestry of Emmerdale.