Aterrible family reunion continued to unfold for Ruby on Emmerdale this week,

as the return of estranged dad Anthony Fox continued to play havoc with her emotions.

In last night’s episode (airing Wednesday, December 4), Ruby was ambushed by

Anthony and Steph, who were determined to have her hear him out. Ruby was stoic as ever, putting up with this impromptu family gathering, and appearing to hear out her dad’s apologies.

However, as the episode ended, a tearful Ruby fled from the house – pretending that she needed to nip to the shops – her father’s words reverberating in her head. As she suffered a panic attack outside, it became clear that there’s more to their animosity than mere bad blood.

But what really happened between Ruby and her father?

Emmerdale fans predict Anthony abused Ruby

A prevailing theory, and one that Ruby‘s reaction last night would seem to back up – is that Anthony abused his daughter. Many viewers have suggested that this could be the case, writing on social media to shar their theories.

“I think Ruby has been abused by her dad in the past,” wrote one viewer on X.

“I still think ruby been abused by her dad,” said another.

He’s Steph’s father

Taking the dark theory one step further, many have wondered whether Steph could be his daughter.

“Did Ruby’s Dad abuse her? and is Steph her Dad’s child?” asked one fan.

“Ruby dad, is he Steph’s dad too?” asked another.

“My heart is breaking for Ruby right now. She’s got so much going on and I don’t trust her dad at all. Actually think her dad is Steph’s dad too,” wrote a third.

Abused by her mother

If not Anthony himself, others think that he could have been party to Ruby’s abuse by another – in this case her mum, Helen. Again, this might make sense given Ruby’s reaction to learning that her mother was dying earlier this year.

“I’m starting to think she was abused in one way or another by her Mum, and maybe her Dad knew about it?” suggested one viewer.

Ruby clearly has no love for either parent. But why?

Emmerdale fans predict cover-up between Ruby and Anthony

Recent spoilers have revealed that a flashback will detail exactly what happened between Ruby and her dad. This includes the presence of a lad named ‘Rob’ who might hold the key to Ruby’s trauma.

“My theory is that her parents invited someone to her 16th party to sway her from Caleb. She rejects him and he assaults her? Maybe she told her parents but they covered it up because he’s from a ‘decent’ family or something?” wrote one fan on Reddit.

“I’m guessing Anthony doesn’t know what happened to Ruby, maybe ‘Rob’ abused her after Anthony had set him up with her,” another viewer suggested.

Why do you think Ruby is so frightened of her dad?