Emmerdale fans are convinced Ruby Fox-Miligan wasn’t just abused by her father Anthony, in what would be another heartbreaking twist on the ITV soap

Emmerdale has appeared to confirm that Ruby Fox-Miligan was not just abused by her father.

Over in the Dales recently, Ruby (Beth Cordingly) was left stunned by the return of two estranged family members; daughter Steph (Georgia Jay) and dad Anthony (Nicholas Day). Steph rocked up first, following the death of Ruby’s mum Helen (Sharon Maughan) – who Ruby also had an estranged relationship with.

Then came Ruby’s dad Anthony – with it clear that Ruby was hiding a huge secret about him. As Anthony settled into the village, Ruby meanwhile, has been spiralling, suffering from panic attacks. Clearly troubled by her dad, Ruby even ended up cheating on Caleb (William Ash) with his half-brother Cain (Jeff Hordley).

However, during Thursday’s instalment (December 12), the truth was finally revealed about Ruby and Anthony – with a flashback scene from Ruby’s 16th birthday confirming that Anthony sexually abused her as a child.

What’s more, it was also heavily teased that Anthony is actually Steph’s real dad following a comment made by Steph about her being a “16th birthday baby”. In Friday’s (December 13) trip to the village though, things took a more sinister turn.

After the Miligan-Fox clan decorated their house with Christmas decorations, Ruby was left shaken when Anthony put his hand on her during a family selfie. Recalling her childhood, Ruby told him how she stayed over at friends the majority of the time then, so she didn’t have to be home.

Then, appearing to confirm it wasn’t just him that abused Ruby, Anthony said: “Your mother is not here to answer for her behaviour anymore. So I think it’s time we moved on.” Their conversation ended there, following Caleb and Steph arriving back at the house.

Fans already know that Ruby and her mum Helen had a turbulent relationship – with Ruby admitting she was glad when she died earlier this year. But could Helen have played a part in the sick abuse inflicted on Ruby?

Soap fans have shared their thoughts that Ruby abused by her mum, as well as her dad. On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one person said: “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.”

The rape and sexual abuse support line is run by Rape Crisis England and Wales – you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222 or use the online chat (both are free and are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year)

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm