Emmerdale fans wonder if Ruby's mum is really dead as they question how Caleb got the money

Last night’s episode of Emmerdale saw Ruby Fox-Miligan learn that her mother had died. However, something about the whole situation didn’t sit right with fans – and some were wondering whether estranged mum Helen is really dead.

With shady Caleb having demanded a sizeable cash injection from Helen the night before – having, uh, blackmailed a dying woman – many found the timing of it all to be rather suspicious.

Caleb visited Helen and blackmailed her (Credit: ITV) — Caleb blackmailed Ruby’s mother… and now she’s dead (Credit: ITV)

Ruby learns her mother has died

Helen’s death came as Ruby was summoned to the hospital, where her mum was gravely ill. However, upon arrival, Ruby was informed that she was too late – and her mother had already died, 20 minutes ago.

Back at home, Ruby shared the news with Caleb, who kept tight-lipped over the fact he’d been the last one to see Helen before she died – and was now sitting on her fortune.

But is there more to her mum’s death than meets the eye?

Ruby's mum in a hospital bed on Emmerdale — Fans think Helen might still be alive (Credit: ITV)

Ruby’s mum lives, suggest Emmerdale fans

Writing on a Reddit thread, fans shared their theories about whether Ruby’s mum could really be dead.

“Is Ruby’s mum actually dead – because at the end of tonight’s episode Caleb got payment from her?” asked one fan.

“I haven’t checked the credits but wasn’t the actress playing the mum Sharon Maughan? She’s quite a big name to have only one scene and then pop her clogs. I reckon she’ll be back,” said another.

“When they’re going through their estate there are going to be questions. If this was supposed to be in any way realistic, giving away £100 grand right before you die looks like you’re trying to avoid inheritance tax. But I suspect it’ll never come up again,” said another, more realistically.

Does Helen have another surprise up her sleeve for Ruby and Caleb?