ITV Emmerdale fans 'work out' who Ruby's second abuser is after sick dad twist

Emmerdale has seemingly confirmed that Ruby Fox-Miligan's past involves more than just her father's abuse.

In the village of Emmerdale, Ruby (Beth Cordingly) was recently shocked by the arrival of two distant family members; her daughter Steph (Georgia Jay) and her father Anthony (Nicholas Day). Steph arrived following the death of Ruby's mother Helen (Sharon Maughan), with whom Ruby had a strained relationship.

Ruby's father Anthony then appeared, and it was evident that Ruby was concealing a significant secret about him. As Anthony began to settle in, Ruby found herself increasingly distressed, experiencing panic attacks and betraying Caleb (William Ash) by having an affair with his half-brother Cain (Jeff Hordley).

The episode on Thursday (December 12) unveiled the grim reality of Ruby's history with Anthony through a flashback to her 16th birthday, which confirmed that he sexually abused her when she was younger.

Moreover, hints were dropped suggesting that Anthony might be Steph's biological father, especially after Steph mentioned being a "16th birthday baby". The storyline took a darker twist in the episode aired on Friday (December 13), reports Leeds Live.

As the Miligan-Fox family adorned their home with festive decorations, a chilling moment occurred when Anthony touched Ruby during a family photo. This prompted memories of her childhood, who confided that she used to spend most nights at friends' houses to avoid being at home.

Then, appearing to confirm it wasn't just him that abused Ruby, Anthony stated: "Your mother is not here to answer for her behaviour anymore. So I think it's time we moved on." Their exchange concluded abruptly as Caleb and Steph returned home.

It's already known by viewers that Ruby and her late mother, Helen, shared a strained relationship, with Ruby confessing she felt relief at her mother's passing earlier this year. Questions arise whether Helen could have been complicit or involved in the despicable abuse suffered by Ruby.

Devoted soap enthusiasts are speculating that Ruby may have been mistreated by both her parents. A comment from an Emmerdale fan group on Facebook read: "My theory is Ruby was abused by her mum as well as her dad."

A second agreed: "It would explain why she never got on with her mum too, poor Rubes this is horrible stuff." Someone else chimed in: "Possibly, that or she knew about it and let him get away with it."

For those affected by these issues, support is available through the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline, which operates 24/7 on 0808 500 2222, and there's also an online chat service that can be accessed for free at any time of the year.