Beth Cordingly, known for her roles in 'The Bill' and 'Emmerdale', discusses her career journey, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of her characters on viewers.
Before captivating viewers as Ruby Haswell in Emmerdale , Beth Cordingly was widely recognized for her role as PC Kerry Young in the iconic police series The Bill . The show, a cornerstone of ITV's programming, ran from 1983 until 2010, during which time Beth joined the cast in 2002. She quickly became a beloved character, winning over the hearts of viewers. However, Kerry's journey took a tragic turn when she fell victim to the Sunhill Sniper.
The impact of her character was so profound that she was honored with a special hour-long spin-off, 'Kerry's Story,' on ITV3. Despite her on-screen success, Beth encountered some insensitive remarks from fans about her appearance. 'Back when I was on The Bill, the first thing people would say to me was 'you're much thinner in real life,' she recalls. But Beth, a seasoned performer, understands the necessity of thick skin in the entertainment industry: 'But as an actor, you've got to have thick skin, you wouldn't survive otherwise.' Having once been a people-pleaser, Beth has shed the weight of societal expectations, particularly those imposed on women in the public eye. 'As an actor, you can feel it very strongly,' she acknowledges. Now, at 48, Beth embraces her individuality fully. 'I can be too loud or different,' she admits, 'But I've realized I don't have to care so much about what people think of me - and, as it turns out, they actually like me.' Following The Bill, Beth continued to explore diverse roles, appearing as Connie Green in Heartbeat in 2006 and as Shirley Carter's prison buddy in EastEnders in 2017. Twenty years after her role in Family Affairs, Beth Cordingly made a triumphant return to the world of soap operas with a captivating performance as Ruby Fox-Miligan in Emmerdale. She joined the Dales' cast in January 2024 and quickly became a fan favorite, even winning the Best Newcomer award at the TV Choice Awards in February. 'It felt like Sara but 20 years on,' Beth reflects on her character Ruby, likening it to her role in Family Affairs. 'It's a gift of a part,' she says. Supported by her partner, Ian Kelsey, who is no stranger to the village having played Dave Glover in 1994, Beth was encouraged to pursue this potentially career-defining opportunity. A year into her role, it seems she has made a lasting impression. Beth praises Emmerdale's smooth production and talented team. 'The crew is incredible,' she beams. 'It's like swans gliding on water - everything appears calm, but underneath, there's a flurry of hard work. And yet, there's never any panic.' Her relationship with Ian has been instrumental, particularly in shaping Ruby's interactions with the iconic Dingle family. 'He worked with me on the script,' Beth reveals. 'Because we both really enjoy working on things together. To be in a relationship with someone who you can do this with, it's really special. I'm very lucky.' A storyline that deeply resonated with Beth involved Ruby confronting her past when her on-screen father is revealed to be her daughter Steph's biological parent. 'It's a subject that I feel really really passionate about and always have,' Beth expresses earnestly. 'I was really pleased to be taking on that story.' Beth's candid reflections on her character's journey have struck a chord with fans. Despite initial reservations due to Ruby's tough exterior, Beth has witnessed a shift in their perception. 'A lot of people contacted me and said: 'I hated you when you first came in but I've fallen in love with her because I understand why she's like this,'' she shares. On Instagram, where she connects with over 64k followers, her platform has become a space for heartfelt conversations. 'When Ruby's backstory was revealed, about one in every ten comments was from a survivor sharing their own story with me,' she reveals.Away from the cameras, Beth embraces her adventurous spirit, a trait inherited from her mother. Her travels have taken her to diverse corners of the world, including a three-month exploration of Africa at 18 and a train journey across America at 20. Recalling joyous moments dancing in Havana's vibrant street parties and connecting with local families, she reflects: 'I enjoy off-the beaten track travel. You learn more when you're around other people.' But Beth is more than her globetrotting experiences. Like Ruby, she acknowledges having 'a terrible temper' but finds solace and balance through spirituality and yoga. Delving into the realm of energy and its interconnectedness, she shares: 'I'm very spiritual and I'm getting into energy,' she says, 'You can be thinking about someone and they'll ring you, I often have this with Ian or my mum! It's all energy.
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