Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly) is further haunted by her past in Emmerdale this week, as vile dad Anthony (Nicholas Day) reveals some health news.
As viewers of the ITV soap know, Anthony raped her as a teenager and she has done everything in her power to avoid him throughout adulthood.
Flashback scenes allowed us to discover why she had such a strong reaction to his recent arrival in the village, when we were taken back to her teenage years.
In shocking scenes, Anthony entered her bedroom and explained they were now alone in the house.
The scenes then developed, revealing that he had been sexually abusing Ruby.
Last week, she was spooked by his presence at daughter Steph’s (Georgia Jay) birthday celebrations, and her upset was realised by friend Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter).
When she arrived at The Woolpack to join the search effort for missing April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), Ruby was drunk and in a terrible state.
Chas tried to sober her up and sat down to ask her why she was so emotional.
Ruby told her that over 30 years ago, she was forced to have sex – though refrained from admitting who her abuser was.
She went onto explain that Steph’s birthday had made her doubt whether whether husband Caleb Miligan (William Ash) was their daughter’s father.
Chas urged her to seek justice, and it was clear that her words resonated as when Ruby returned home, she ordered a DNA test. Even if it would bring the most horrific news, it could possibly bring an end to one part of her turmoil.
However, should Anthony be revealed as Steph’s father, it would prove more traumatic.
In upcoming scenes, Ruby manages to collect a hair sample from her daughter and then confides once again in Chas about whether or not she’s making the right move.
She then attempts to gain some DNA from Caleb, and is almost spotted when he arrives home early.
Her estranged relationship with Steph seems to get back on track when they enjoy a spa day together, although when an old photo of Ruby pregnant surfaces, it brings back horrific memories.
Anthony urges his granddaughter to be patient with her mother, knowing what could be exposed.
Elsewhere, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) – who Ruby recently slept with – is fearful when he hears that Anthony wants to settle down in the village. He knows about their fling, and could ruin everything.
It seems that Anthony could be on borrowed time though, as he shares grim health news with Caleb later in the day.
What is Anthony hiding?
