Emmerdale spoilers follow from Thursday's episode (January 30), which is available to watch now on streaming service ITVX but hasn't yet aired on ITV1.
The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct.
Emmerdale has revealed a dramatic twist in Anthony Fox's murder storyline.
The ITV soap's latest episode saw the ongoing cover-up take a twist as Anthony's real killer was confirmed.
Last week, Aaron Dingle targeted the villain with a brutal beating at Caleb Miligan's depot. He fled from the scene afterwards and Anthony was already dead by the time Aaron returned to check on him.
Aaron's boyfriend John Sugden then stepped in to take control of the situation – disposing of the body, dealing with the crime scene and stopping Aaron from confessing to anyone.
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In Thursday's episode, Aaron defied John's warnings by seeking out Anthony's daughter Ruby to come clean.
Aaron made this big decision after realising that his ongoing battle with guilt was adversely affecting his mental health.
In tense scenes, Aaron told Ruby that he targeted her dad for revenge after realising that Anthony had sexually abused Ruby when she was a teenager. This brought back traumatic memories of his own abuse ordeal with his father Gordon.
Much to Aaron's surprise, Ruby interrupted his confession with a revelation of her own.
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In a major curveball, Ruby told Aaron: "You didn't kill him – I did."
Flashback scenes then showed how Ruby had arrived at the depot in between Aaron's two visits. After spotting Aaron fleeing from the scene, Ruby found Anthony in a bad way on the floor – but still alive.
Revealing that Anthony triggered her by grabbing her, Ruby explained: "I turned to go, then he touched me and something inside me just snapped. I wasn't looking down at my father anymore – I was looking down at the thing that had ruined my life."
After suffocating Anthony, Ruby confessed to her husband Caleb that day.
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The couple made their own plans to dispose of the body, but were taken aback when they realised that Aaron and John had already dealt with the situation themselves.
Ruby's revelations went down badly with Aaron, who bitterly accused her and Caleb of trying to set him up for the crime. He was deeply suspicious over why they hadn't been honest with him sooner.
When Aaron heard the full extent of the situation – including how Anthony is the biological father of Ruby's daughter Steph – he agreed to drop the matter for her sake.
Aaron, John, Ruby and Caleb were drawn into a pact of silence, quickly joined by Chas Dingle when she overheard their argument and demanded answers.
Can the five co-conspirators keep the truth about Anthony's death under wraps?
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.
Survivors UK offers support to male survivors of sexual violence.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
