What happened in Emmerdale tonight: Ruby’s history with her dad was exposed in upsetting scenes

Emmerdale aired devastating flashbacks for Ruby Fox-Miligan tonight as it was revealed her father had sexually abused her as a child. The worst attack came on her 16th birthday – and possibly conceived Steph.

Elsewhere, Tom tried to manipulate Jimmy, but it didn’t work, and Moira lashed out at Cain in front of everyone, before they made up. But for how long?

Here’s everything that happened in a rather difficult-to-watch Emmerdale tonight, Thursday December 12.

The truth about Ruby and her dad was revealed in Emmerdale tonight

Ruby was looking at an old photo of her 16th birthday and had a flashback. Steph noticed a boy in the picture, Rob, was looking lovingly at her, but Ruby dismissed her. However she was still having flashbacks to her birthday that were clearly distressing her.

When Anthony arrived at the house he started talking about her sweet 16 too. Ruby was clearly uncomfortable, especially as he kept banging on about this Rob. The memories of the party continued to haunt Ruby and she recalled leading Rob up to her bedroom and her dad looking angry about it.

Ruby then went to Cain’s party and insisted a bottle of wine was the only way to celebrate. She also had a clandestine conversation with Cain that was clocked by Anthony. He got abusive with Ruby telling her she slept around and he knew all about it.

As they talked about Rob again, we flashed back to Ruby giving Rob condoms and it turned out he was gay and going to meet his boyfriend. As Anthony again accused her of sleeping with Rob on her 16th birthday, Ruby spat:”We both know exactly what happened on my 16th,” leaving Anthony looking worried.

Ruby continued flashing back to that night when Anthony had got rid of her mother and took Ruby some cake up to her bedroom. He then closed and locked the door as Ruby begged him: “Please not again, please not today.”

As we came back to the present day, Steph joked about being a ’16th birthday baby’ and Caleb stressed again she was his daughter, which made it very clear Anthony is (probably) Steph’s real dad.

It was all very grim, but all credit to Beth Cordingly whose calm, but shaky performance has us all gripped.

Tom was not giving up in Emmerdale tonight

Elsewhere, from one manipulative creep to another, Tom was causing trouble again. Jimmy was trying to make Christmas magical for Angelica, who was still banging on about her cousin. A giant inflatable Santa wasn’t going to cut it.

So Jimmy decided to do as she asked and visit Tom in prison. Tom started with an apology and admitted he was struggling Although that’s probably just another act of manipulation. Tom continued to tell Jimmy horror stories of being in prison to try and scare him into helping him.

Although Jimmy agreed to visit and give Tom a second chance, it was on the basis he changed his plea to guilty. Of course, Tom continued to blame Belle and once again lost his temper calling Jimmy an idiot.

But actually, on this occasion Jimmy wasn’t an idiot, because he left and told Tom very clearly he had burnt his last bridge.

Tom turned his manipulation back to solicitor Ollie, who admitted his defence was strong, but it all comes down to his word against Belle’s. Ollie suggested they rehearse his performance in court, but Tom wasn’t interested, instead he has another plan. Sigh. It involved Ollie going to visit Angelica and getting her to help them by posting a video online.

Moira and Cain reunited

Cain was feeling remorseful, but Moira wasn’t really interested. However they were still continuing with Cain’s surprise party – for the sake of the kids.

At the party he just kept slipping up and Moira was still not forgiving. She made a massive scene in the pub in front of everyone before rushing out and Chas and Charity took Cain to task. They went on about him being the head of the family again and once more he made out he was just scared.

When he went to speak to Moira, she told him he needed to be there for her because she didn’t think their marriage could survive much more. Cain surprised her by saying he’d spoken to her consultant, made extensive notes and also put together a plan to cover the farm while she was having treatment. They reunited, but the Ruby secret is still hanging over him…

Also in Emmerdale tonight…

Will showed no signs of remorse

Kim and Will returned home from Italy. Kim was deliriously in love, Will insisted he wasn’t having second thoughts about them and they planned Paris for Valentine’s Day. So lovely and happy. Except he’s still plotting against her.

Meeting with Peter later on, Will insisted he needed it all done by Christmas. However, Peter delivered the news there had been a change of plan. He told Will the mystery third party had insisted Christmas Day was the day it would all play out. The man in question (so we know it’s a man!) is out of the country until Christmas Eve. He will contact Will when the time is right.

April helped Ross

April is saving Ross. She brought him food and the key to Tall Trees behind Marlon’s back. Ross agreed to stay until new year.

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

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

Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

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