William Ash: Child star, Coronation Street connection and famous schoolmate
Caleb Miligan’s alter ego went to school with his co-star
William Ash is best known for playing the part of Emmerdale businessman and love cheat Caleb Miligan. The character has been in the thick of the action since his dramatic Christmas Day arrival in 2022.
Caleb’s storylines have included his bid to destroy Kim Tate, feud with brother Cain and a steamy affair with his nephew’s wife, Tracy Robinson.
But it’s all just a day’s work for William, who’s been in the acting game since he was 10 years old. Here is everything you need to know about the soap star.
Who is Emmerdale star William Ash?
William Ash is a British actor who plays Emmerdale’s Caleb Miligan. A familiar face to millions, William was bitten by the performing bug at a young age.
The star has enjoyed a very steady career, with roles in several popular TV dramas.
William made his first TV appearance in Coronation Street, playing a character called Spike.
How old is William Ash?
William Ash was born on January 13, 1977, making him 47-years-old. He originated from Chadderton, a town near Oldham in Greater Manchester.
William’s parents were not in the showbiz world, his dad worked as an engineer and his mum was a police civilian.
He has a sister, who works as a teacher.
William Ash as Caleb Miligan in Emmerdale
William plays Caleb Miligan, a businessman with a roving eye. Caleb is the long-lost son of Faith Dingle and conceived during her affair with Frank Tate.
He was born while Faith was in prison and then abandoned by his mum. Caleb was placed in the foster system and experienced a difficult upbringing.
Caleb is the younger half-brother of Chas and Cain Dingle and was estranged from them both for years.
His relationship with Cain has been particularly stormy, although the brothers are thick as thieves for now.
Caleb’s wife Ruby recently arrived in the village and the pair enjoyed a passionate reunion which proved they’re still very much an item.
Ruby quickly discovered Caleb had been having an affair with his nephew Nate’s wife Tracy and outed the pairs’ infidelity at Belle Dingle’s wedding.
The couple’s son Nicky was aware of his dad’s betrayal, but is used to Caleb’s selfish behaviour. In fact, Nicky once tried to kill Caleb after tiring of his wicked ways.
Will Ash is a former Coronation Street star
Soap fans may remember William once had a brief role in rival soap Coronation Street. He made his Street debut back in 1987.
William was 10-years-old at the time and played a character called Spike. Spike attended a charity fete on the Street.
He then returned in 2002, this time playing criminal Johnny James. Johnny had raided a post office and tried to hijack Rita Tanner’s car to get away.
What else has William Ash been in?
William’s CV is rather impressive. He was a regular in TV dramas such as Making Out and Where the Heart Is.
The actor has also appeared in Clocking Off, Children’s Ward, Burn It, All the King’s Men, Shameless, Doctor Who, Death in Paradise, Wanderlust and Moving On.
Between 2009 and 2011, William played deputy headteacher Christopher Mead in the popular BBC series Waterloo Road.
His stage credits include Presence at the Royal Court Theatre and Of Mice and Men at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh.
In 2011, William had a lead in the BBC comedy drama, Lapland, and reprised the role of Ray in a new series, Being Eileen.
He also portrayed Manchester United footballer Albert Scanlon, in the BBC series Surviving Disasters, which retold the story of the Munich air disaster of 1958, which Scanlon survived.
He’s a dad of two
William prefers to keep his personal life private.
He’s a dad of two children, but chooses not to discuss his family.
Relation to Peter Ash
William’s acting talent clearly runs in the family. His cousin is Peter Ash, who plays Coronation Street’s Paul Foreman.
Tragic Paul is currently living out his final months as he battles motor neurone disease.
Proud William recently praised his cousin’s performance saying: “He’s been fantastic. It’s a shame, actually, that he’s going to have to eventually leave because he’s been brilliant in it. And he’s a top lad.”
And when William joined Emmerdale, Peter was made up for his family member. He tweeted: “Yes! This is my cousin Will. He’s an absolutely fantastic actor, and was one of my big inspirations for getting into acting myself.
“Can’t wait to see him do his stuff in Emmerdale.”
Will went to school with his co-star
William was a pupil of North Chadderton comprehensive in Oldham, which was the same school his on-screen brother Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle) attended.
There’s a six-year age gap between the actors, meaning Jeff was already in the sixth form when William started at the school.
Prior to Emmerdale the actors also worked together on a play called Another Country, and William openly stated Jeff was one of the reasons he said yes to his Emmerdale job.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.30pm and 2.05pm.