Emmerdale viewers are convinced they have worked out who Ruby and Caleb Milligan’s secret daughter is after a tense scene in hospital

Emmerdale enthusiasts are convinced they’ve cracked the identity of Ruby (portrayed by Beth Cordingly) and Caleb Milligan’s (Will Ash) mystery daughter after Tuesday’s explosive episode.

Caleb made a menacing visit to Ruby’s mother Helen (Sharon Maughan) in the hospital and it was anything but cordial. He threatened Helen and even resorted to extortion, demanding cash in exchange for letting her see her daughter before she passed away.

In the midst of their heated exchange, Ruby’s estranged mum dropped a hint about their daughter, which Caleb did not appreciate. Viewers are aware that Caleb and Ruby share a son named Nicky Milligan (Lewis Cope), who left the village with his partner.

But with the recent references to Nicky and Stephanie, could this mean a dramatic return is on the horizon?

As Helen lay in her hospital bed, she remarked: “I am sure it is of little consequence to you to know I am dying.”

“Yeah, you said on the phone,” Caleb responded coldly. “I doubt you’d dare get in touch otherwise, you knew the reception you’d get,” reports Leeds Live.

“Let me tell you, this doesn’t change anything, I am still not telling Ruby, I love her too much. She is just some lame attempt to clear your conscience for disowning her before you pop off.”

“My daughter has a right to know that I am dying,” Helen implored. “There are things that need to be said.”

Caleb revealed the deep-seated bitterness as he exploded: “I know you paid me to ditch her and I know when she got pregnant, you tried to force her to abort our child and I know you turfed her out with nothing and she wouldn’t.”

“I have had to live with that my entire life,” Ruby’s mum confessed, to which Caleb retorted: “And now you’ll have to die with it.”

“Tell me, have you seen anything of Stephanie? ” she inquired, only for Caleb to furiously respond: “Don’t you dare even say my kids’ names, do you hear me?”

The drama escalated as the episode ended with Caleb demanding a hefty payment from Helen if she ever wanted to see Ruby again, declaring: “When the money lands in my account, I will speak to Ruby,” before storming out of the hospital.

Social media was abuzz after the show, with fans speculating about Caleb and Ruby’s daughter possibly being a Tate, thus linking her to Kim (Claire King) and Jamie Tate (Alexander Lincoln).

One viewer speculated on X: “Kids? Plural! Who is Steph?! Technically translates as ‘More Tates’.”

Another fan theorised: “So where is Steph? Here’s a theory… she is now abroad and has met Joe Tate or Jamie on her travels….thus making her a part of the family already.”

A third chimed in with a different angle: “Oooooh I wonder if Caleb got Ruby’s mum pregnant and the child was his? ? #Emmerdale.”

And yet another fan pondered: “Feel like Ruby and Rose might be related… #emmerdale.”

“Has Caleb and Ruby, more kids than Nicky? ” another asked while one echoed: “Did anyone else notice Caleb saying “don’t you dare mention my kids’ names” (PLURAL! ! ) There’s more than Nicky or did we already know this? Anyone?”

Meanwhile, Amy Wyatt (Natalie Jamieson) attempted to have a heart-to-heart with Amelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell) about Tom King (James Chase). Amelia is trying to clear her boyfriend’s name following Belle Dingle’s abuse allegations against him.

It appears Tom has manipulated Amelia, just like he did with Belle, but how far will he go to seek revenge on his wife?

Although no one seems to know Amelia is still in touch with Tom, Jimmy King (Nick Miles) may have discovered the truth after their conversation.

“He’s going crazy for not doing anything,” Amelia let slip as she explained to Jimmy she tried to get his job back at the surgery. “Too much time to think about stuff.”

“You have spoken to him then? ” Jimmy quizzed as Amelia backtracked: “I am just saying, it must be hard for him I imagine.”

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV