Emmerdale’s resident firecrackers, Ruby and Caleb, have had a tumultuous relationship from the start, and it looks like things are set to get even more explosive in upcoming episodes. Actors Beth and Will, who play the on-screen couple, have opened up about the challenges and rewards of portraying this complex partnership.
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride,” admits Will. “There are so many layers to peel back with these characters. They’ve got a lot of history, which is great because it gives us a lot to mine.”
Beth agrees, highlighting the importance of portraying the couple’s past to make their present behaviour believable. “We try to make sure that everything is justified by their history,” she explains. “A lot of the time, their behaviour seems to stem from a place of fear.”
While Beth admits she doesn’t get recognised much down south, Will concedes that fame comes with the territory in certain areas. “Definitely more in the north,” he says.
Beth acknowledges Ruby’s tendency to react impulsively. “She’s a bit like Gloria in Modern Family,” laughs Beth. “But I always have to find the justification for her actions.”
Another Emmerdale resident, Ethan, is left critically injured in a hit and run, and suspicion falls on both Ruby and Caleb. “She doesn’t make friends easily,” admits Beth about her character.
While Cain and Caleb manage to patch things up, Ruby remains on the outs. “It’s that interesting thing with the Dingles,” explains Beth. “If someone’s threatening the family, that’s bad, but if they’re in the family, they’ll close ranks.”
Will and Beth both see a future for Ruby and Caleb, but it likely won’t be smooth sailing. “I think it’ll bring us closer together,” says Will. Beth adds, “There’s always going to be conflict, but I think they do have an underlying need for each other.”
Emmerdale continues tonight on ITV1 at 7.30pm
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