EI composite: Ruby / Young Ruby Emmerdale

In Emmerdale Ruby has been trying to keep her father away from her from the moment he arrived in the village. But thanks to Steph, this hasn’t been easy.

While many viewers predicted the plot-twist between the father and daughter, it was only confirmed that Ruby was sexually assaulted by Anthony as a child in last night’s heartbreakingly powerful episode.

In another creatively filmed episode of the soap, it showed us flashbacks to Ruby’s 16th birthday, intertwined with present day storylines.

Ruby looking sad / angry Emmerdale
Emmerdale Ruby remembers her 16th birthday. (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale Ruby was sexually assaulted as a child – by her dad

At the beginning of the episode it looked like Rob, a friend of Ruby’s, who her mother was trying to push her with, was going to be the one to do something sinister. But ultimately, Rob ended up being gay, and the culprit was indeed Ruby’s father.

Anthony may just be one of – if not the – most evil characters that have ever featured on the show. Not only has he turned back up in Ruby’s life after all of these years, he is also already trying to insert himself too deeply into her relationships.

He caught on to the tense moment between Ruby and Cain, working out they had slept together, and was quick to call her out for her behaviour.

This isn’t the first time Emmerdale has tackled this sort of storyline. In 2016, there was a similar story with Aaron Dingle and his father, Gordon. But Ruby’s story has potential to be one of the darkest, if they go down certain routes.

Anthony Emmerdale
Anthony disgustingly comments on Ruby ‘sleeping around’. (Credit: ITV)

Fans demand justice for Ruby

But two thing remain agreed upon by the viewers; Beth Cordingly is performing the storyline amazingly, and that Ruby needs justice.

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) after the extremely powerful episode aired, fans expressed their thoughts.

One wrote: “Poor Ruby. I hope she gets the justice she deserves after what her dad did to her.”

Another added: “Ruby has become one of my favourite soap characters recently. I hope this story ends with her getting the justice she needs.”

“This storyline is harrowing and is going to be tough to watch. I hope she is believed straight away and gets the support and justice she deserves,” a third penned.

However one feared that Ruby’s storyline won’t end up with Anthony in prison. They wrote: “Is Anthony going to die before Ruby can get justice?”

It’s a soap, so we can only assume the truth will inevitably come out. But the question remains; just how long? And will Ruby get her justice? Some fans even predict she may kill him..

Read more: Christmas in Emmerdale: Joy, drama and a flashforward

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.

Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am. Plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3. 

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