Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale is set to reveal more about Ruby Fox-Miligan, as trauma from her past will be revived in a flashback.
In an episode airing tonight (December 12), viewers will learn the reason why Ruby had some trouble bonding with her daughter Steph when she was a child.
Emmerdale will go back to Ruby's 16th birthday party where she was sexually assaulted by her father Anthony. Though the scenes won't be graphic in content, this is surely the beginning of a hard-hitting storyline for the ITV soap that some viewers may find distressing.
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In the present, Ruby's husband Caleb Miligan is unaware that his wife is a survivor of sexual assault. As the audience will be let in on Ruby's innermost thoughts, her tragic experience will explain why she's been having a hard time since Anthony and Steph arrived in the village.
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Ruby seems keen on rekindling her relationship with her daughter but blocking out her painful memories may just prove too much for her.
"Ruby has always been troubled and volatile in nature, and finally our audience will be able to learn more about the past that has haunted her and made Ruby the woman she is today," Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said.
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The soap previously aired tense moments between Ruby and her father Anthony.
Ruby has been walking on eggshells around her family and has been pushing her father away. Last week, she became upset when Anthony mentioned Rob, a guy she used to know as a teen.
When asked whether she still spoke to Rob, Ruby tried to change the subject but Anthony insisted it was "a shame" they weren't in contact.
"Your mother and I always assumed that Rob was Stephanie's father," he said, leaving Ruby stunned.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
