Who is Nicky's mum in Emmerdale? Everything you need to know

Lewis Cope as Nicky in Emmerdale
Who is Nicky's mum in Emmerdale? (Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale's Nicky Miligan (Lewis Cope) instantly sparked suspicion when he arrived in the village and became a nanny to Gabby Thomas' (Rosie Bentham) son, Thomas Tate.

But soon his secrets, lies and deceit came to light when a shocking bombshell revealed that he was the son of suspicious businessman Caleb Milligan (William Ash). 

Not only that, but it was also revealed that Caleb was the long-lost son of Frank Tate (Norman Bowler) — making Nicky Frank's grandson.

Caleb went on a mission to take down Kim Tate (Claire King) as he believed that he was the rightful heir to Home Farm and Kim's hidden fortune. So Caleb and Nicky teamed up to try and destroy Kim.

And Nicky's true intentions with his wife-to-be Gabby were exposed, with their sham engagement all a part of their plan to steal Gabby's share of the assets too.

With so many DNA bombshells and another family member on the way to the village, who is Nicky's mum in Emmerdale?

Emmerdale Caleb and Nicky beside Frank Tate's grave

Nicky Miligan was revealed to be Caleb Miligan's son. (Image credit: ITV)

Who is Nicky's mum in Emmerdale?

The identity of Nicky's mum remained a mystery ever since he arrived to Emmerdale, but now Nicky's mother has finally been revealed — and we'll get to meet her soon!

Nicky's mum and Caleb's estranged wife Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingley) is set to arrive in the village to cause some trouble.

A show spokesperson revealed: “Ruby is fiery, confident, unpredictable and a fiercely devoted mum. If she believes Caleb has finally found a family of his own away from her, it's fair to say she’d happily destroy it rather than allow Caleb to be happy without her. 

“Ruby’s a force to be reckoned with and a ticking time bomb.”

Ruby and Caleb in Emmerdale

Ruby Fox-Miligan is the mother of Nicky and Caleb's estranged wife. (Image credit: ITV)

Not much was known about Nicky's mum prior to the announcement, but we did know that she was still alive even though Nicky claimed that his mother had died when he was a teenager.

The babysitter's mystery mother was mentioned in a conversation between Nicky and Caleb when Caleb pressured his struggling son into keeping up the façade of being madly in love with Gabby. Nicky told his dad: "Yeah, but you're asking me to marry someone I've got no feelings for."

A frustrated Caleb then revealed more about Nicky's secret mum and it was clear that the pair seemed to have a turbulent history.

"You know, that's kind of what you want me to do. Expecting me to stay with your mum when there's nothing between us anymore," he said.

Still clearly upset about his mum and dad's break up, Caleb remarked: "I still think you and mum could get back together if you really tried."

But Caleb quickly destroyed Nicky's hopes, adamantly telling him: "That is not gonna happen, Nicky."

Could Ruby's arrival see her reunite with Caleb?

Who was Sadie King married to in Emmerdale?

Patsy Kensit as Sadie King in Emmerdale

Patsy Kensit as Sadie King. (Image credit: ITV)

Before Nicky's mum's identity was revealed, fans had some theories about who the mystery woman could be. And there's one person who viewers were convinced could be Nicky's mum — the iconic Sadie King (Patsy Kensit).

Sadie was married to Jimmy King (Nick Miles) and first appeared in the Dales in 2004, before leaving in 2006. However, her marriage to Jimmy fell apart and realising that this could jeopardise her position within the King family, she schemed her way back in with the millionaires.

She even resorted to blackmailing her business rival Zoe Tate (Leah Bracknell) into selling Home Farm to her father-in-law Tom King (Ken Farrington) so that he could expand the family empire. Eventually, Sadie's devious antics resulted in her being disowned by the Kings and she was left with nothing.

With the sassy businesswoman having previous links to Home Farm, some fans thought she could have also been in on Caleb and Nicky's plan.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30 pm on ITV1, with a hour-long episode on Thursdays — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on ITVX.

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.

You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!

Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.