Emmerdale’s notorious villain Anthony Fox (Nicholas Day) has met a grisly death after his heinous abuse of his daughter Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly) was finally exposed. In Wednesday’s episode (January 22), Aaron Dingle pieced together the disturbing truth about Ruby’s past, recognising the tell tale signs of trauma all too well from his own experiences.
Fuelled by his own dark past, Aaron (Danny Miller) tracked down Anthony to the depot, intent on having a confrontation.
The tense showdown unfolded in Thursday’s episode (January 23), available on ITVX, with devastating consequences.
As Aaron opened up about his own history of abuse at the hands of his father Gordon, who took his own life in prison, he became increasingly emotional but initially restrained himself from physical violence, instead demanding Anthony turn himself in to the authorities.
However, when Anthony began taunting Aaron with twisted comments about Ruby, he finally snapped, attacking Anthony before fleeing the scene.
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Emmerdale Anthony Fox and Aaron Dingle had an argument before it got violent (Image: ITV)
Later, Aaron confided in John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), revealing that he had brutally assaulted Anthony and explaining the motives behind his actions, ominously adding: “I nearly killed him.”
After returning to the depot, the duo discovered Anthony was dead. In the midst of Aaron’s panic, John took charge, assuring he would handle the situation, reports .
They cleaned up and disposed of Anthony’s body. Yet, some eagle-eyed viewers are questioning whether Aaron really dealt the fatal blow.
Anthony was still alive when Aaron left the depot (Image: ITV)
Despite Aaron’s beating, Anthony was still breathing when he left the depot, so now, fingers are being pointed at Ruby.
Social media is abuzz with theories, as one Facebook user asserted: “It was Ruby who struck the final blow not Aaron.”
Another speculated: “We didn’t see as when Aaron and John came back he was dead, but he wasn’t when Aaron left him so something must have happened in that time.”
Emmerdale fans think Ruby has killed her dad Anthony (Image: ITV)
Others echoed this sentiment, suggesting Ruby might be the true culprit, with comments like: “I think it was ruby that done final blow,” and “She may have.”
One viewer theorised: “I think Ruby went to the factory to find Steph and found her dad there beaten by Aaron either watches him die or does something to him.”
airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV and ITVX.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault and need someone to talk to, call Rape Crisis free on 0808 500 2222. The Samaritans are also open 24/7 for anyone who is struggling and needs support, call 116 123.