Emmerdale star William Ash's life off-screen including famous TV star relative

04 February 2023 , 15:30

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Emmerdale's Caleb Milligan has caused quite a stir as the long lost Dingle sibling who arrived in the Dales in the wake of Faith’s tragic death.

Actor William Ash, 46, has intrigued fans with his portrayal of the mysterious character - but he's no stranger to the spotlight.

With more than 30 years in the industry, the performer found fame after initially wanting to be a footballer.

William also has a famous relative, who stars in Coronation Street.

So as Emmerdale fans try and work out why Caleb has kept away from his family for so long, we take a look at the actor behind the role.

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Bitten by the acting bug

William was born in Oldham where he spent much of his youth before being bitten by the acting bug.

The actor would go on to rack up almost 30 years in the showbiz industry, but he almost had a very different career.

Emmerdale star William Ash's life off-screen including famous TV star relative

William Ash wanted to be a footballer before being bitten by the acting bug (Corbis via Getty Images)

William told Inkpellet back in 2012, he had actually wanted to be a footballer. “My dad played a lot of football and played semi professionally and that is what I wanted to do, be a footballer, until I was 16/17,” he revealed.

However, sadly the star didn't make the cut, continuing: "I think I was deluded that I could make it as a footballer when I look at it! I broke my leg playing football when I was 15 and couldn’t play for a year so the acting took over.”

It was also during his school years the actor first met his future co-star Jeff Hordley, who plays his on-screen brother Cain Dingle.

He knew co-star Jeff Hordley when he was at school

Finding fame

One of William's first roles was in Coronation Street, when he rocked up as Spike, aged just 10 back in 1987.

From there he went onto star in ITV's Heartbeat and Children's Ward before establishing himself as a true talent, popping up on shows, including Doctor Who.

But it was when he played Christopher Mead in Waterloo Road things really took off.

William played the deputy head teacher at the troubled school - a role he said his sister, a teacher in real life, ticked him off for after pointing out what he was doing wrong.

During his Inkpellet interview, William recalled: “I phoned my sister one day while she was at school and she answered the phone. I said, ‘you’re not in a class, are you? And she replied, “No Will, I wouldn’t answer the phone in class – this is not Waterloo Road!””

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Personal life

Little is known about the actor's personal life as William prefers to keep it under wraps.

Fans aren't sure what to make of Caleb

William has a number of acting roles under his belt (WireImage)

However it is believed he has two children and still lives in Manchester.

Famous family

Will is the older cousin of Peter Ash, who fans will remember played Paul Foreman in Coronation Street.

Paul was revealed to be the estranged twin brother of Gemma Winter, played by Dolly-Rose Campbell and won a National Television Award in 2020 for Best Newcomer in the show.