Emmerdale aired powerful scenes during tonight’s episode, with emotional fans calling Beth Cordingly and her performance ‘outstanding’.

Since the arrival of her estranged daughter and father, it’s been clear that Ruby Fox-Miligan has been holding something back. The truth was finally revealed in a special hour-long episode tonight (Thursday, December 12).

The episode, which featured flashback scenes, has been described by viewers as ‘incredible’, while Beth, who plays Ruby, was singled out for praise.
A photo triggered memories for Ruby (Credit: ITV)

What happened to Ruby in Emmerdale?

Since Ruby’s dad Anthony arrived in the village, viewers have been speculating about why Ruby hates him so much and tonight they got their answers.

Prior to broadcast, Emmerdale shared a trigger warning and confirmed that Ruby was the victim of sexual abuse as a child. Tonight’s flashback scenes revealed just what happened.

After Steph discovered a photo of her mum celebrating her 16th birthday, Ruby’s mind was taken back to that day in 1992.

In the present day, oblivious Steph met up with her grandad, where she told him she was hopeful that he and her mum could repair their relationship.

However, further flashbacks revealed why that might not be possible. As the episode went on, there were several triggers which took Ruby back to her 16th birthday – Cain’s birthday cake and Anthony telling Caleb Miligan that Ruby had been a hypochondriac when she was younger.

In the present day, Ruby told her dad: “We both know exactly what happened on my 16th,” with the final flashback clearing everything up. Horrific scenes showed Anthony taking birthday cake to Ruby in her room. As he locked the door behind him, a distressed Ruby told him: “Please dad, I don’t feel very well.”

Anthony responded: “You’ve always been a bit of a hypochondriac. You’ve been fine all day.” In a chilling moment, 16-year-old Ruby pleaded: “Please not again. Not today.”

It was also revealed that Steph was conceived around that time, with Caleb implying he and Ruby had done the deed just a few days after Ruby’s 16th. Could Anthony be Steph’s father?
Ruby has struggled since Anthony arrived (Credit: ITV)

Fans praise Beth Cordingly in Emmerdale

Emmerdale viewers rushed to social media to praise the show and, in particular, star Beth Cordingly.

Writing on X, one viewer said: “Beth Cordingly is absolutely outstanding in tonight’s @emmerdale. The storyline is very, very difficult to watch but a very important one to tell.”

Another fan said: “Tonight’s #Emmerdale was incredible and powerful. Beth Cordingly is fantastic as Ruby.”

“Beth Cordingly (Ruby) is just an incredible actress and the best thing to happen to Emmerdale. She’s awesome!” shared one more.

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns