IT has been revealed that two of soap land’s hunkiest villains will be teaming up together for a new passion project.
William Ash who plays dodgy Dales’ business owner, Caleb Milligan, has scored a part in a new short film written by ex-Eastender Toby Alexander Smith.
Toby played the former Albert Square heart throb turned murderer Gray Atkins and he announced his new project on social media.
The film is titled Calm and tells the story of a first-time father who becomes overwhelmed by the disconnection he feels from his son.
William will join the project whilst still working on his Emmerdale commitments and although it’s unclear exactly what his new role will be, publicity around the film says that he will be ‘pivotal’.
The project will look at a subject close to Toby’s heart and will chart the often overlooked emotional and demanding journey that first time fathers go through.
Speaking about the motivation for the film Toby said: “When I became a Dad for the first time, it didn’t take long before I noticed a shift in my mental health.
“It’s an emotionally demanding time and everything feels so much more heightened. That can be pretty hard to navigate, especially if you don’t talk about it.
He continued: “I did some research to try and understand more about my journey into fatherhood and it became clear that whilst there is a community out there for men struggling with their mental health during the perinatal period, there simply isn’t enough support.
“We often associate postnatal depression being linked to women but actually similar signs can show themselves in men.
“This is something that doesn’t really get talked about nor is it something I have seen explored on screen.”
It’s believed that the film’s aim will be to highlight these sensitive issues and to create conversations and debate amongst fathers.
Emmerdale abuser Anthony Fox dies at gunpoint as Caleb Miligan gets his twisted revenge
The project has been completely funded from donations made online and Toby announced that the target had been successfully reached with a photo featuring his wife, Emmerdale star Amy Walsh.
For project new comer William the story will take him in a new direction from the murder and hideous family secrets he’s involved with in Emmerdale.
Fans of both soaps were happy with the news and replied to the social posts with support.
One said of the William Ash announcement: “We love this news and hope to get to see the finished film.”
Another agreed saying: “Absolutely brilliant looking forward to seeing the end product.”
Details on a release date and platform for the film are still to be announced.
