The truth about Ruby’s past is revealed in Emmerdale! Caleb, with help from Chas, uncovers the horrifying reality of Ruby’s abuse at the hands of her father, Anthony.
In that evening’s episode, Chas, drawing from her son Aaron’s traumatic experience with his own father, begins to piece things together. When Ruby’s friend Rob mentions how terrified Ruby always was of her father, Chas realizes the painful truth. Though Caleb is slower to catch on, he starts to understand after hearing how Ruby had only one significant male figure in her life during her teenage years.
Chas then confronts Caleb, questioning, “Who was she really scared of?” as the truth hits home. She concludes that Anthony abused Ruby and is likely the father of Steph.
Ruby has already confronted Anthony, revealing that he is indeed Steph’s father, but she swore to keep the secret, wanting to protect her daughter from the truth. However, with Caleb and Chas now aware, it seems inevitable that the truth will come out, causing ripples throughout the family and the village.
As tensions rise, Anthony meets a grim fate by the end of next week’s episodes. A flashforward shows a bloody scene with a knocked-out tooth at the depot, hinting at the violent confrontation to come.
Throughout the week, Anthony’s disturbing behavior escalates. Chas becomes alarmed when she sees him tutoring Angelica, so she warns Nicola about his dangerous presence around teenage girls. After a confrontation with Nicola, Anthony reacts violently, only to be knocked unconscious by Laurel, who strikes him with a candlestick.
Meanwhile, Chas confides in Cain, who is shocked by what he learns. Aaron notices Ruby’s fear of her father and recognizes the signs of abuse from his own past. Caleb confronts Anthony, forcing him into his car, and later, a gunshot is heard in the village. Anthony disappears, and it isn’t until the following day that his body is discovered.
Now, the question remains: Who killed Anthony? Was it Laurel, or is the killer someone much closer to home?