Emmerdale newcomer Nicholas Day's life off-screen away from Anthony role

is set to welcome two new characters as Ruby Fox-Milligan reunites with her long-lost family after the death of her mother.

Ruby's father Anthony, portrayed by Nicholas Day, and her daughter Steph, played by Georgia Jay, will be arriving in the village. The arrival of these two fresh faces is bound to cause a stir for Ruby (Beth Cordingly), who hasn't seen her father or daughter in years.

Nicholas, 77, may be familiar to viewers from his roles in popular shows like Minder and The Crown, as well as being the voice behind Netflix's Myths and Monsters.

In the 90s, Nicholas took on the role of Detective Sergeant Michael Morley in Minder, but more recently he was seen as Jim Prior in the latest series of The Crown. He also starred as Deputy Assistant Commissioner Donald Bevan in the first series of BBC drama New Tricks.

Nicholas took on the infamous role of Jack The Ripper in the sixth series of Goodnight Sweetheart in 1999, and played another police officer, DCS John Meredith, in a single episode of Foyle's War in 2008. His other TV credits include Margaret and The Take, and he appeared as Martin Crisp in The Dogleg Murders, reports the Manchester Evening News.

His filmography includes Penelope Pulls It Off, The Golden Bowl, Russian Dolls and Amazing Grace. Before embarking on his acting career, Nicholas spent a brief period in the early 1980s as a supply teacher at Plumstead Manor School for Girls', where he taught drama.

The actor is notorious for his discretion regarding his private affairs, and as of now, his relationship status remains a mystery.In Emmerdale, Nicholas' character is depicted as a once fiery individual who has become more temperate with time, presenting himself as a charming presence to outsiders. Yet his daughter Ruby has been estranged from him for over three decades.

Nicholas shared his thoughts about joining the soap, saying: "I've been made so welcome in the Emmerdale family. And my screen family is great to work with, the scenes just fly. No kidding - I feel blessed."

His fellow cast member Georgia enthused: "I am thrilled to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. 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."

Emmerdale's producer, Sophie Roper, expressed excitement over the new arrivals, noting: "We're delighted to be welcoming Nicholas and Georgia to Emmerdale as part of the Miligan family.

"With so much yet to discover about Ruby, the arrival of her father and daughter will unlock her past and see Ruby and Caleb tested in ways we've never seen before. With two actors of such great calibre, they're certainly set to make their mark on the Dales." The onscreen debut of Anthony and Georgia is scheduled for later this month.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX