Emmerdale fans reckon Ruby Miligan's estranged mother may have been murdered - but Caleb isn't the killer.

This week's episodes introduced Helen Fox (played by Sharon Maughan), Ruby's long-absent mother who disowned her over her relationship with now-husband Caleb. A hospital drama unfolded as Helen, who is terminally ill, sought to reconnect with Ruby after years of separation.

Following a hasty agreement with Caleb, who demanded £100k for a reunion with Ruby, Helen's story took a devastating turn in the September 18 episode.

Tragedy struck just moments before Ruby's much-anticipated arrival at the hospital, where she learned of her mother's deathmere minutes too late.

Ruby was met with the harrowing sight of her mother's body while an enigmatic Caleb loomed elsewhere in the hospital, later seen observing Ruby's heart-wrenching moment with Helen.

The sudden death has whipped up a storm among fans, prompting them to theorize about potential foul play.

Social media was set alight with comments, including one from an Emmerdale Facebook fan page that read: "Ruby's mum died that was quick.", reports Leeds Live.

Speculation is rife in the comments section as fans share their dramatic theories about the latest twist, with one asserting: "I'm putting it out there, Ruby did her mom in."

This sentiment was echoed by another who concurred: "Would not put it past her, they were not close at all." Furthering this line of thought, a third voiced: "Ruby killed her mum and is the one playing Caleb? I hope so."

Meanwhile, a fourth mused: "She could frame him for the murder for revenge. I wouldn't mess with her."

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm