EMMERDALE has revealed Ruby Fox-Miligan's harrowing past in haunting flashback scenes.
In its latest episode, the ITV soap showed several flashbacks to 1992, specifically Ruby's 16th birthday party.
Viewers have predicted an unsettling twist ever since her dad Anthony (Nicholas Jay) arrived in the village earlier this year.
Horrific scenes showed Anthony, in the flashbacks, seemingly about to assault his teenage daughter.
After he brought birthday cake to Ruby's room, he locked the door and stood facing her.
The younger, distressed Ruby told him: "Please dad, I don't feel very well."
Read more on Emmerdale
To which the younger Anthony replied: "You've always been a bit of a hypochondriac. You've been fine all day."
In a chilling moment, the teenage Ruby pleaded: "Please not again. Not today."
Fans of the ITV soap were left disgusted by the sickening revelation.
One wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Anthony makes my skin crawl.
Most read in Soaps
"He's disgusting, even when it all comes out what he did to Ruby, Steph is still gonna side with him because he's a "kindhearted man".
Another added: "Just watched #emmerdale all I can say is poor Ruby."
A third commented: "Tonight's #Emmerdale was incredible and powerful. @BCordingly is fantastic as Ruby."
While a fourth simply stated: "Omg poor Ruby."
In addition, the flashbacks showed Ruby spending time with teenage friend Rob - although he was ultimately a red herring.
Anthony arrived alongside granddaughter Steph (Georgia Jay) - the estranged daughter of Ruby and Caleb (William Ash).
Meanwhile, the soap has already geared up taking the story in a dark direction.
Fans have been speculating if Anthony could somehow actually be Steph's father.
How to report a sexual assault
- Contact a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery.
- Contact a voluntary organisation, such as , , , or .
- Call the 24-hour , on 0808 2000 247.
- Speak to the – you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222 or use the online chat (both are free and are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year).
One wrote on social media: "Wait! Is it possible Ruby's father is Steph's dad?"
Another penned: "I reckon that Anthony is Steph's dad - not her Granddad."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
How will the story unfold from here?
Emmerdale continues on ITV1 and ITVX.