The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct.
Emmerdale star Beth Cordingly has shared a tribute to co-star Nick Day after his character Anthony Fox's dark exit plot.
Scenes this week saw Anthony – who was recently revealed as a child abuser who preyed on daughter Ruby – killed off after being confronted by Aaron Dingle.
While Aaron had hoped to make him confess to his crimes at the police station, Anthony goaded Aaron into violence by cruelly mocking him over his traumatic past, as terminally ill Anthony didn't want to spend his final days behind bars.
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Aaron then fatally beat Anthony, triggered by his memories of being abused by his dad Gordon Livesy.
In a new post shared on Instagram, Ruby actor Beth paid tribute to Nick and reminded fans that actors are not their characters.
"In case anyone is under any illusions I just want to stress what a beautiful man Nick Day is, in real life," she captioned a series of behind-the-scenes pictures. "We were very lucky to have an actor of his calibre and talent playing my father, Anthony, in @emmerdale."
Beth noted that it "wasn’t an easy role for anyone to take on" and that Nick found the character "extremely challenging".
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"I loved working with Nick, we all did," she continued. "It was an emotional experience requiring a lot of trust and a lot of love. He’s a gem."
Beth concluded the post by reminding fans that if they see Nick on the street, "please remember he’s NOT Anthony".
"I’m sure you all will - so forgive me for sounding patronising - I just wanted to say. Sometimes, as actors, we need a little bit of protection when we put ourselves out there telling difficult stories that need to be told."
The star also posted on one of the pictures: "Love this man in real life."
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
