The Milligans just can’t stay out of trouble. After surviving the Anthony Trueman murder chaos and helping fugitive John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) flee the country, Emmerdale’s Caleb (William Ash) and Ruby Miligan (Beth Cordingly) find themselves tangled in yet another crisis — this time involving a mysterious stowaway named Anya.

What begins as an act of compassion soon spirals into fear and suspicion when Anya suddenly disappears from Mill Cottage, leaving Ruby distraught and Caleb worried they’ve once again crossed a dangerous line.

---

A Shocking Discovery in Caleb’s Van

Trouble begins when Caleb and Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) become involved in a roadside accident. While trying to smooth things over, Caleb makes a chilling discovery — a young woman hiding in the back of one of his depot lorries.

Before Caleb can process what’s happening, the police arrive to take his statement. The tension mounts as the stowaway bolts from the scene, narrowly avoiding arrest and leaving Caleb shaken.

---

Ruby’s Dangerous Compassion

While Caleb wants nothing more to do with the situation, Ruby’s maternal instincts kick in. Determined to help the vulnerable woman, she tracks her down and learns her name — Anya.

Ruby calls on Dr. Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) to check her over, but he warns that harbouring a stowaway could have serious legal consequences. He urges Ruby to contact the authorities.

However, Ruby refuses. Her deep empathy for Anya, who appears scared and traumatised, drives her to take matters into her own hands. Against Caleb’s protests, Ruby secretly offers the woman shelter at Mill Cottage, setting up a tense standoff between husband and wife.

---

Anya on Edge — and on the Run

Despite Ruby’s efforts to make her feel safe, Anya’s nerves only worsen. After overhearing another explosive row between Ruby and Caleb, she becomes convinced she’s the source of their conflict.

When Ruby later finds Anya packing her things, she pleads with her to stay — but it’s too late. The next day, Ruby and Caleb wake to find that Anya has vanished without a trace.

Ruby’s panic turns to fury as she blames Caleb for driving the frightened woman away. But while Caleb insists her disappearance is for the best, Ruby refuses to believe it.

---

Ruby’s Obsession Grows

Determined to find Anya and make sure she’s safe, Ruby sets off on a desperate search, ignoring Caleb’s warnings to stay out of it. But with Anya’s backstory still shrouded in mystery, Ruby’s good intentions could lead her straight into danger.

Who exactly is Anya — and what is she running from? As Ruby digs deeper, she may uncover secrets that put both her marriage and her freedom at risk.

---

What’s Next for the Milligans?

Ruby’s compassion could prove to be her undoing. As she grows more emotionally invested, Caleb fears history will repeat itself — that another “good deed” will drag them both back into the world of lies and lawbreaking they’ve barely escaped.

Will Ruby find Anya before it’s too late, or has the stowaway brought a far darker threat to Emmerdale than anyone realises?