William Ash, known for playing Caleb Miligan on Emmerdale, has a life off-screen that includes a famous cousin and a school connection to a co-star. The actor joined the soap in 2022 as Caleb, the long-lost brother of Cain Dingle, played by Jeff Hordley.
School Days with Jeff Hordley
Born on 13 January 1977 in Chadderton, near Oldham, William is 49 years old. His father was an engineer, and his mother worked as a police civilian. He and Jeff Hordley attended the same school, North Chadderton Comprehensive in Oldham. In an interview with the Daily Star, William said: "We both went to the same school, North Chadderton Comprehensive in Oldham and had a really inspirational drama teacher called Colin Snell who not only inspired us but also the likes of Nicola Stephenson and then went on to another school with Jonas Armstrong and Jenna Coleman."
The two actors first got to know each other while appearing in a school play, sparking a friendship that has lasted for years.
Early TV Roles and Corrie Return
William made his first TV appearance at age 10, playing Spike in Coronation Street. He returned to the soap in 2002 as criminal Johnny James. He also starred as Nicky in Making Out from 1989 to 1991 and appeared in BBC's Waterloo Road as Christopher Mead from 2009 to 2011.
Reflecting on Waterloo Road, William told Ink Pellet: "Some teachers I've met have said Waterloo Road is just like this and I was shocked – it can't be! 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!'"
His other TV credits include Beck, Where the Heart Is, Soldier Soldier, Burn It, and Clocking Off.
Famous Cousin and Personal Life
William's cousin is Peter Ash, a Coronation Street actor who played Paul Foreman. Paul was written out of the show following a motor neurone disease storyline, passing away in 2024. Peter expressed his pride to The Metro: "He's doing great work. I'm loving it. I'm loving it, go on the Ash's."
William prefers to keep his personal life private, but he is the father of two children and lives in Greater Manchester. Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
