Last night’s episode of Emmerdale saw Ruby Fox-Miligan learn that her mother had died. However, something about the whole situation didn’t sit right with fans – and some were wondering whether estranged mum Helen is really dead.
With shady Caleb having demanded a sizeable cash injection from Helen the night before – having, uh, blackmailed a dying woman – many found the timing of it all to be rather suspicious.
Caleb blackmailed Ruby’s mother… and now she’s dead (Credit: ITV)
Ruby learns her mother has died
Helen’s death came as Ruby was summoned to the hospital, where her mum was gravely ill. However, upon arrival, Ruby was informed that she was too late – and her mother had already died, 20 minutes ago.
Back at home, Ruby shared the news with Caleb, who kept tight-lipped over the fact he’d been the last one to see Helen before she died – and was now sitting on her fortune.
But is there more to her mum’s death than meets the eye?
Fans think Helen might still be alive (Credit: ITV)
Ruby’s mum lives, suggest Emmerdale fans
Writing on a Reddit thread, fans shared their theories about whether Ruby’s mum could really be dead.
“Is Ruby’s mum actually dead – because at the end of tonight’s episode Caleb got payment from her?” asked one fan.
“I haven’t checked the credits but wasn’t the actress playing the mum Sharon Maughan? She’s quite a big name to have only one scene and then pop her clogs. I reckon she’ll be back,” said another.
“When they’re going through their estate there are going to be questions. If this was supposed to be in any way realistic, giving away £100 grand right before you die looks like you’re trying to avoid inheritance tax. But I suspect it’ll never come up again,” said another, more realistically.
Does Helen have another surprise up her sleeve for Ruby and Caleb?
Moira Dingle announced to husband Cain she was not having the operation to remove her tumour in last night’s Emmerdale. Cain took the news badly – and so did fans who are convinced this is a signal that she’s going to die.
But is it just the tumour talking? Can Moira find the strength to face the operation and get rid of her ‘houseguest’ for good?
Moira and Cain argued over her tumour (Credit: ITV)
Moira refuses brain surgery in Emmerdale
It had been clear there was something very wrong with Moira for a while. Mood swings, violent outbursts and forgetting what she’d done, plus terrifying seizures, all showed something was seriously up.
She put it down to the menopause, but when she shot at Ruby, locked them in a barn together and started a fire, it was clear there was far more to it. Tests in hospital showed Moira has a type of brain tumour called a meningioma. Although it is believed to be non-cancerous, the growth has left Moira terrified for her future.
At the moment the doctors have advised a ‘watch and wait’ approach. The idea is to get the seizures under control with medication and see if the tumour continues to grow and at what rate. Then surgery may be an option.
Cain has been adamant he wants her to get the tumour out as soon as possible. Moira, however, is scared of surgery and not making it out alive.
They had agreed not to talk about the tumour for a few days and even got very intimate on the sofa last night (Wednesday September 18). But their post-coital bliss didn’t last long when Cain made a comment about her having the operation and Moira snapped. She dropped the bombshell she wasn’t planning to have the surgery at all.
Was it just the tumour causing her to say things she didn’t mean? Or is she really serious?
Moira told Cain she couldn’t even look at him throwing her hands in the air (Credit: ITV)
Fans worry Moira will die
Those watching at home immediately started to fear for Moira’s future. They are convinced this is a sign she is set to die and leave the soap forever.
One begged on social media: “Oh Please get it Moira please! Don’t leave us!!”
“And this is why she dies cos she doesn’t have the operation,” said one more.
Another added: “Wtf! So Moira is gonna die.”
“Think she dies,” said a fourth.
A fifth speculated: “Is this why Ross is coming back? She dies and he’s back for her funeral???”
Emmerdale has not confirmed if Moira will die. A meningioma is something you can live with, but as we have seen her personality has changed as a result. Plus the seizures could prove dangerous if they aren’t brought under control.
Will Moira agree to get the surgery? Could she die on the operating table? Or will her refusal to get the operation cause her to deteriorate to such a point something awful happens?
Mike Parr has admitted he’d be “fired” from Emmerdale if he was to share details of Ross Barton’s return. The actor will be reprising his role as Ross after six years it has been revealed.
Emmerdale fans were overjoyed to hear Ross is on his way back to the Dales, but understandably, they were eager to know more about his storylines. Unfortunately, Mike was determined to keep any details under wraps!
Here’s everything you need to know about Ross Barton’s return to Emmerdale.
Ross Barton is back! (Credit: ITV)
What do we know about Ross Barton’s return?
Following the news that Ross will be returning to the Dales, actor Mike teased that there will be “fireworks”.
“I’m over the moon to be returning to Emmerdale. Ross is a character I’m extremely fond of and I’m excited to explore what he’s been up to over the past five years,” he said. “After seeing the scripts, I can’t wait for the audience to see what’s in store. One thing I can say is Ross’s return will no doubt create fireworks.”
Meanwhile, Emmerdale producer Laura show revealed that Ross’ return sparks plenty of drama in the village.
She said: “We are delighted to have Michael back at Team Emmerdale, playing the unforgettable and charismatic bad boy Ross Barton once again. Ross makes a huge impact from the first moment he arrives back on screen, immediately throwing some of our villagers’ lives into disarray.
“Chaotic, wild and reckless, Ross is absolutely going to shake up the village and prove it’s never quiet with a Barton boy back in town.”
Mike Parr responds to fans’ questions
Actor Mike was inundated with messages from Emmerdale fans following the news that he would be reprising his role as Ross after six years. However, the actor admitted he isn’t allowed to share any details of Ross’ return.
Writing on X after the announcement, Mike told fans: “Hi Twits, its been a while. Can’t believe it’s been six years since I was last on set in the Dales. Very excited to be back. Do you think Ross will be a good boy or do you think he’s here to cause trouble? Let me know in the comments.”
One fan asked: “Will Ross still be with Rebecca or has he dumped her because that will tell us a lot whether going to be good or not?”
Mike revealed he’d lose his job on the ITV soap if he answered the question. He honestly responded: “I wish I could reveal all but I’d be fired before I even started if I did.” Looks like we’ll have to be patient!
Ross and Rebecca left together in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
A quick Ross Barton recap
Ross arrived in Emmerdale back in 2013. He is the son of James and Emma Barton, brother of Pete and Finn and half-brother of Adam.
He is father to son Moses Dingle, who he shares with Charity Dingle. Ross had a one-night stand with Charity, and as a result, she fell pregnant with Moses. Before this, he had an affair with Charity’s daughter Debbie Dingle, who was in a relationship with his brother Pete at the time.
During his time in Emmerdale, Ross also battled depression following a terrifying acid attack. He was also left devastated when lover Donna Windsor died.
In 2018, Ross exited Emmerdale and relocated to Liverpool with girlfriend Rebecca White.
Soap fans have been rejoicing after finding out Ross Barton is on his way back to Emmerdale. The iconic character, played by Mike Parr, exited the village six years ago but is now due to make a shock comeback.
Following the announcement, Emmerdale fans have revealed they are “thrilled” to welcome Ross back to the soap, and there’s no doubt his return will stir up some drama.
Ross Barton is returning to Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
Ross Barton’s return
It has been confirmed that Ross will be making a return to Emmerdale, with actor Mike Parr reprising the role after a six-year break. A specific date is yet to be confirmed, but soap bosses said Ross will appear on-screen later this year.
Ross is the son of James and Emma Barton. He the brother of Pete and Finn, and half-brother of Adam Barton. Ross is father to Moses Dingle, who he shares with Charity Dingle.
The character exited in 2018 in a bid to start a new life in Liverpool with girlfriend Rebecca White. It has not been revealed what brings Ross back to the village.
Speaking about his return, actor Mike said: “I’m over the moon to be returning to Emmerdale. Ross is a character I’m extremely fond of and I’m excited to explore what he’s been up to over the past five years. After seeing the scripts, I can’t wait for the audience to see what’s in store. One thing I can say is Ross’s return will no doubt create fireworks.â€
Ross Barton is on his way back (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Fans ‘thrilled’ by Ross’ comeback
Understandably, Emmerdale fans have been left overjoyed by the news of Ross’ return. Many took to social media share their excitement following the soap’s announcement.
“Ross returning to the village – kinda loving it #emmerdale,” one person wrote on X, while a second added: “Ross Barton is back!! Didn’t expect to see him back….but I’m absolutely thrilled he is!”Â
Another branded it “great news”, while a fourth commented: “Either way, I’m excited to have Ross back! I absolutely love his character! His dry sense of humour, sarcasm, one liners…. Topped off with his gorgeous looks! woohooo!!!!”Â
“This is amazing news!!!! I’ve missed Ross so much! I can’t wait to see him back!!” another fan wrote. A final Emmerdale viewer added: “ROSS BARTON RETURNING TO  @emmerdale IS THE BEST NEWS!!!!  Emmerdale hasn’t been the same without him!! He’s the best soap character and I can’t wait to see him back!!!! Emmerdale is officially back on top with Ross back!!”Â
Esther Spencer seems to have vanished into thin air in Emmerdale. So much so that viewers are questioning exactly where she is. And for that matter, where are the rest of the Dales children?
There are a lot of kids living in Emmerdale. So many, in fact, that Tracy was ready to make a success of her forest nursery – until Caleb scuppered it! But despite Emmerdale being over-run with ankle-biters most of the children in the village are talked about, but never seen.
Amelia never has Esther with her (Credit: ITV)
Where’s Esther in Emmerdale?
Fans have noticed that teen mum Amelia Spencer is rarely seen with her daughter, Esther – and they’re not happy about it. While Amelia’s busy secretly romancing Tom King and dismissing everything Belle is telling her about his abuse, Esther is nowhere to be seen.
“No child again,” said one disgruntled fan.
#Emmerdale still boring zzzzzzzz 😴 us with Amelia at the pub lunchtime drinking, not working, not in college and no child again.
While others simply questioned where the little girl has vanished to and dubbed her ‘the ghost daughter’!
But Esther isn’t the only child in Emmerdale never to be seen. While we often see Frankie, Kyle and Isaac, and occasionally catch up with other kids in the village like Eve, Clemmie and Lucas, there are others who we don’t see for months at a time.
Here are some of the kids we’re missing.
Wheeeeere’s Johnny? (Credit: ITV)
Johnny
Vanessa was talking about Johnny the other day but we’ve barely seen him since she returned to the village. He’s just turned nine but did he get a birthday party or even a cake? The poor lad didn’t even get a mention!
Rhona was desperate to keep Ivy in her life (Credit: ITV)
Ivy
What a lot of angst Rhona and Marlon went through to have little Ivy live with them. They fought so hard to have Rhona’s unexpected daughter move in with them, and yet now she’s here, we’ve not seen her. Rhona’s back at work and busier than ever now Tom’s been sacked, and Marlon’s cooking at the pub. How does Ivy fit in? Mind you, we’ve really not seen much of April or Leo lately either. Have Marlon and Rhona forgotten their kids?
Dotty
Jai is adamant that he’s missing Arthur and Dotty desperately now he and Laurel have split. And we’re missing Dotty too! Where has she gone?
Carl and Elliot
We saw a bit of Carl and Elliot when Angelica was gearing up to go to prison, but since then, they’ve been totally absent. Nicola talks about them all the time – going to football camp, using Tom’s tablet – they get up to all sorts. We just never see them do it.
Gail and Ryan got to know son Oscar – but where is he now? (Credit: ITV)
Oscar
There was a big shock for Gail and Ryan when the son they had adopted came back into their lives. Gail was a bone marrow donor for the lad, and then his mum wanted them to part ways. But Oscar wasn’t giving up that easily – he got to know Gail and Ryan, and even formed a sweet bond with Charity. And then he vanished, never to be seen or mentioned again.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think!
Emmerdale fans were given a brief insight into Ruby‘s backstory in Tuesday’s episode, as Caleb went to visit her estranged mum in the hospital. Viewers were introduced to Helen, played by actress Sharon Maughan.
Helen made it clear she is keen to reconnect with Ruby, following many years of no contact. However, it seemed like Caleb wasn’t in favour of welcoming her back into their lives. A dodgy money deal followed, but it remains to be seen what Ruby will think of her mum coming back into her life.
Emmerdale fans were more distracted by actress Sharon’s appearance however, with many failing to recognise the star. Here’s everything you need to know about Helen’s arrival in Emmerdale.
Sharon Maughan plays Ruby’s mum Helen (Credit: ITV)
Sharon Maughan’s Emmerdale debut
Emmerdale viewers were introduced to Ruby’s estranged mum, Helen, in recent scenes. Helen is ill and currently residing in hospital. Caleb paid her a secret visit, where Helen revealed she regrets being estranged from her daughter and she is now divorced from Ruby’s dad.
Caleb and Helen argued over Ruby, who is unaware her husband has been to visit her mum. Eventually, Caleb struck up in a deal with his mother-in-law. He said he’d bring Ruby to see Helen if she will send him £100,000, which she agreed to.
However, Caleb could be seen riddled with guilt as he returned home and reflected on the deal he’d just made. Despite this, he still didn’t mention anything to Ruby, who was suspicious of his unexplained late arrival home.
Emmerdale fans didn’t recognise Sharon in her new role (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Fans brand Sharon ‘unrecognisable’
Emmerdale fans were left taken aback after realising it was Sharon, 74, portraying Ruby’s ill mum. Following Tuesday evening’s episode, viewers shared their shock over Sharon’s transformation, with some even questioning if it was really her.
Taking to social media, one person pondered: “She looks like the woman off the Nescafe ads from the 80s/90s , Sharon Maughan,” while a second added: “I was thinking the same thing, l wonder if it is her, Sharon Maughan.”
Somebody else pointed out that the make-up team will have been busy getting Sharon into character. The fan added: “They’ve probably made her look worse as she’s supposed to be dying!”
Another simply pointed out: “The wonderful Sharon Maughan.”
“Gosh, I didn’t recognise her,” exclaimed another. A further user commented: “So different, I didn’t recognise her at all.”
Someone else wrote: “I was trying all the time Emmerdale was on to work out where I knew her from!”
Caleb and Ruby don’t appear to be big fans of Ruby’s mum (Credit: ITV)
What do we know about Ruby’s mum?
It has been confirmed that Helen will appear in a limited number of episodes.
Actor William Ash, who plays Caleb, has shed some light on Helen’s arrival. He shared some insight into Ruby and Helen’s relationship, as well as Caleb’s issues with his mother-in-law.
Speaking during a virtual press conference, the actor said: “So, Ruby and Caleb don’t have any relationship with Ruby’s mum at all. Basically, what her mum and her dad did, when Ruby and Caleb got together, when they were about 17, they really disliked Caleb. They hated him because he’d come out of a care home and didn’t have any family. I think they just thought he was beneath their daughter.
“So, Helen was really snobby and judgemental. Helen and Ruby’s dad gave Ruby an ultimatum,” William continued. “They basically said ‘look if you want to be with this boy then we don’t want anything to do with you’. They basically just cut Ruby dead.”
It was revealed last night that Helen had offered Caleb money to break up with Ruby. She’d then tried to force her daughter to have an abortion when she fell pregnant and when Ruby refused had cut her off completely.
Caleb and Ruby in Emmerdale have a daughter! This is HUGE!
And yes, we sort of knew about her but we didn’t know much. Or even if she really existed. Because, let’s face it, the Fox-Miligans are fond of twisting the truth.
But in tonight’s episode, Caleb went to see his mother-in-law, Helen, in the hospital where she was lying dying. They exchanged some heated words and Helen asked Caleb if he’d seen anything of Stephanie.
Caleb looked furious and he firmly told Helen that she should never mention his kids.
OOH!
Caleb is a master of keeping secrets (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale: Who is Caleb and Ruby’s daughter, Stephanie?
So who is Stephanie? And could she come to Emmerdale any time soon?
When Caleb first arrived in the village, he told Leyla that he had ‘kids’. Plural. Back then, of course, we didn’t know Nicky was his son.
And Nicky did mention a sister too. Though he also told Gabby that he was one of five siblings, that his mum was dead and that he was in love with her, so we can’t believe everything Nicky said.
But when Caleb was encouraging Nicky to keep going with the plot to scam Kim, he said it was important to keep his mum and sister in their house.
Ruby hasn’t mentioned her daughter (Credit: ITV)
Estranged? Missing? Adopted?!
Since then, though, no one has so much as mentioned a daughter. Ruby has spoken many times about how much she is missing Nicky, and how desperate she is to get hold of him as he avoids her calls.
We know that when she was young, Ruby got pregnant and her mum offered to pay her to have an abortion. Ruby chose Caleb instead and the pair made a go of family life.
What we don’t know is if that baby was Nicky! After all, it’s Nicky’s birthday this week and we reckon he’s turning 24, making him born in 2000.
And Ruby is in her late 40s. Which means she’d have been young – early 20s – when Nicky was born but not so young her parents would have had concerns.
So does that mean Stephanie is Nicky’s older sister? She could be in her 30s now. Perhaps with a family of her own.
We would LOVE for them all to rock up in Emmerdale. And chances are, now she’s been properly mentioned it won’t be too long…
But perhaps if Ruby had her daughter when she was just a teenager, she could have given her up for adoption. Perhaps they have fallen out? Perhaps Stephanie doesn’t want anything to do with her parents – just as Nicky doesn’t. Or a new theory suggests Stephanie is not Ruby’s daughter at all, but in fact, Caleb’s child with Ruby’s mum, Helen!
Whatever the back story is, we can’t wait to hear it!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think!
Emmerdale star Michael Parr is returning to the soap as Ross Barton, six years after his exit.
The soap teased his return on social media earlier today (Tuesday, September 17) with a comedy sketch video featuring Bradley Johnson, who plays Vinny Dingle.
They followed this up with official confirmation that bad boy Ross Barton is indeed making a return to Emmerdale.
Ross Barton is returning to Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
Who was Ross Barton?
Ross arrived in 2013 and quickly became one of the soap’s most popular characters.
The son of James and Emma Barton, brother of Pete and Finn and half-brother of Adam Barton, Ross is also the father of Moses Dingle.
During his time in Emmerdale, Ross stepped on a lot of toes. But he also had a softer side and was devastated when Donna Windsor committed suicide following her cancer diagnosis.
Ross also embarked on an affair with Debbie, who was with his brother Pete at the time. But that came to an end when Ross had a one night stand with Debbie’s mum Charity – thus conceiving Moses.
Following a devastating acid attack, Ross battled depression. He later left for a new life in Liverpool in 2018 with girlfriend Rebecca White.
But what has he been up during his time away?
Michael Parr reprises the role (Credit: ITV)
Michael Parr on Emmerdale return
Speaking about his return to the soap, Michael said: “I’m over the moon to be returning to Emmerdale. Ross is a character I’m extremely fond of and I’m excited to explore what he’s been up to over the past five years.
“After seeing the scripts, I can’t wait for the audience to see what’s in store. One thing I can say is Ross’s return will no doubt create fireworks.” Sounds about right.
Producer Laura Shaw added: “We are delighted to have Michael back at Team Emmerdale, playing the unforgettable and charismatic bad boy Ross Barton once again. Ross makes a huge impact from the first moment he arrives back on screen, immediately throwing some of our villagers’ lives into disarray.
“Chaotic, wild and reckless, Ross is absolutely going to shake up the village and prove it’s never quiet with a Barton boy back in town.”
During the latest episode of Emmerdale, we finally discovered Nate’s fate after his strange exit – or did we?
Fans have been concerned about Nate’s whereabouts, given he just disappeared. Some fans believe he went to Scotland like he had been planning, but others have different theories.
Despite Emmerdale apparently revealing Nate’s location, some fans are still not convinced. We didn’t actually see him leave, and let’s face it, if you didn’t see it then it didn’t happen.
So just where is Nate?
Where’s Nate? (Credit: ITV/EI)
What happened to Nate?
Earlier this month, Moira leaned in for a kiss with Nate. The indiscretion was witnessed by Caleb, who wasted no time in spilling the beans.
Despite Nate being the innocent party, neither Cain nor Tracy were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Cain punched his son several times, while Tracy inflicted a different kind of pain when she told him she’d no longer be moving to Shetland with him.
Nate and Tracy, who’d only recently reunited, had been planning a move north of the border due to Nate being offered a new job there.
Nate went on to talk to John about the situation, insisting he wouldn’t be going quietly. But then he did exactly that… and we haven’t seen him since.
Tracy has since discovered the truth and knows Nate is innocent. But nobody had heard from him, until now…
In last night’s episode (Monday, September 15), Tracy received a text message from Nate, which read: “Settling in, head’s a mess, don’t call me, I’ll call you when I’m ready.”
Fans are not having it though and are convinced there is more to Nate’s exit.
Tracy and Cain rejected Nate (Credit: ITV)
Fans suspicious over Nate’s exit
Nate’s exit seems all too easy and odd, especially given his last scene saw him say he wouldn’t be leaving quietly.
Fans are certain something sinister has happened to Nate, with many taking to social media to share their theories.
“Was it Nate that text or someone else? Ya never know in that village,” asked one fan, with another writing: “Is Nate really still alive or is he dead somewhere and someone has got his phone…”
Another viewer felt it was a weak exit for the character and is hoping there is more to it. “Bar his affair with Moira, Nate’s character wasn’t the most impactful but what a [Bleep] exit! I’m hoping Tom or John’s killed him and [is] texting Tracy. Duller characters have been given better exits. What an insult to Jurell,” they wrote, referring to Jurell Carter, who has played Nate since 2019.
One theory fans have is that John is responsible for Nate’s departure, given he was seemingly the last one to see him.
“John relays that Nate’s gone, which is always suspicious in a soap. In fact, all of this is VERY suspicious. The texts, ‘don’t call me I’ll call you when I’m ready’, very convenient. Did he even send them?” asked another cynical fan.
Are we over thinking it, is Nate really in Scotland like he should be? Or has he met a more grisly end?
Fans complained about Mack continuing to grate, even going so far as to beg for him to be killed off.
But is a redemption arc on the way for Mack?
Fana have done a u-turn on Mack (Credit: ITV)
What happened in Emmerdale?
Following the shocking barn fire, as she recovered in hospital, Moira was given the news that she had a brain tumour.
Cain behaved like a petulant child and refused to be by her side, insisting he couldn’t handle it. He eventually had a change of heart, though his anger continued to rear its head.
In last night’s episode (September 16), not satisfied with the doctor’s advice – as presumably Cain knows better – he tipped up a table and stormed out.
Moira’s brother Mack was the unlikely source of calm, as he shared some strong words with his brother-in-law, telling him to “get a grip and be better”.
Mack told Cain: “She will worry that you’ll throw another selfish tantrum because you’re too weak to handle it. She needs to know what she’s up against. How can she do that when she’s too busy worrying about you?
“We’re all struggling here, but this is the start of what Moira has to deal with.”
Emmerdale fans enjoyed the confrontation and have lauded Mack for standing up to Cain.
Mack has been looking out for sister Moira (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans call Mack a hero
Following the episode, Emmerdale fans took to Instagram to express their joy at Mack’s words.
“Mackenzie was the star of tonight’s episode,” wrote one fan, while another added: “Got to respect Mack tonight.”
A third fan said: “Mac tonight was…” accompanied by three emojis – fire, applause and a hand making the OK sign.
Another fan was in agreement, writing: “Well said Mackenzie.”
With fans having done a U-turn on Mack, could Moira’s diagnosis be the source of some good and be the making of Mack?
