ITV Emmerdale fans 'work out' true identity of Steph Milligan's dad - and he's in the village

Emmerdale enthusiasts believe they have cracked the mystery surrounding Ruby Milligan's (portrayed by Beth Cordingly) teenage years after Friday's episode raised concerns.

Her daughter Steph (played by Georgia Jay) comforted Ruby after she appeared distressed while rifling through a memory box from her father, Anthony Fox (Nicholas Day). Anthony made an unexpected appearance in the village on Tuesday, with Steph attempting to mend the rift between him and her mother, Ruby.

However, a glimpse at a photograph of a younger Ruby sounded the alarm for viewers. She appeared frightened and tense before breaking down into tears, which led Steph to put the box away.

This episode marked another instance where Ruby seemed unsettled. Earlier this week, she was distraught after encountering her father for the first time in many years.

She returned home crying and lashed out at her husband Caleb (Will Ash), clearly upset by her fathers return.

Previously, as Anthony pleaded with Ruby for another chance, she confronted him with a potent accusation: "They don't see you but I do, I see you," as reported by the Mirror.

Anthony confessed to making mistakes and sought forgiveness for previous wrongdoings, subtly suggesting Ruby's mum Helen shared some responsibility.

As events unfolded later in the week, Ruby told her dad to leave. Upon his acceptance to depart, he stated, "You win." Ruby was left aghast as she retorted, "I win? " It was evident that there was no mutual understanding.

It seems certain characters in the show are closely guarding a secret, hinted at by Ruby's actions, which suggest she's hiding something monumental. Her recent turmoil regarding her history has triggered speculation among eagle-eyed fans about her haunting