This article contains spoilers from an episode of Emmerdale that has not aired on ITV1 yet, but can be viewed on ITVX.

Steph Miligan (Georgia Jay) recently reconciled with Ross Barton (Mike Parr) in Emmerdale after a bit of timely intervention by Ross’s brother Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches).

Ross and Steph had formed quite a bond after getting together initially through a combination of lust and Steph wanting to wind her parents up. The relationship evolved into one of genuine affection on both sides.

But then Steph learned that her beloved grandfather Anthony (Nicholas Day) was actually her biological father after he abused her mum, Ruby (Beth Cordingly). And then she found that Ruby had killed Anthony and his body had been disposed of by John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) in an as yet to be disclosed location.

In the aftermath of discovering Anthony’s abuse, Steph became fixated on her resemblance to him and was so desperate she even tried to have surgery to alter her appearance.

Ross wanted to support her through this hard time, but she pushed him away. She’s since been going to therapy to try to help her move on.

Lewis’s recent match-making brought the two back together again, and this time Steph felt comfortable enough for them to sleep together.

After this, Ross declared that there hadn’t been anyone else in his life since he and Steph broke up, casually omitting to mention he’d had a fling with Manpreet (Rebecca Sarker).

This was exposed by Manpreet while in the cafe with Lewis and Ruby, who were gossiping about her love life – or lack thereof.

Manpreet casually confirmed she slept with Ross just as he walked into the cafe with Steph. Unaware that the couple were back together, Manpreet didn’t realise she had unintentionally just exposed Ross as a liar.

Steph, who had worked hard to tell herself that she could trust Ross again, was devastated and made it clear she didn’t want to continue their relationship.

And even Ross admitting that he was in love with Steph wasn’t enough!

Has Steph Miligan left Emmerdale for good?

In the episode of the ITV soap that airs this evening, Steph tells her parents that she’s booked a yoga retreat in Rome. She wants to get away from the village for a while, and Ruby and Caleb (William Ash) are very understanding.

Just as she gets into the taxi, Ross tries to get her to change her mind, but Steph doesn’t want to be anywhere near him.

Steph’s departure ties in with Georgia Jay’s maternity leave, following the announcement she is expecting her first baby. As ever with temporary departures, we will see Steph again soon, but just when that will be remains unknown at the moment.

Announcing her pregnancy on Instagram, Georgia wrote back in June: ‘As you’ve probably guessed, I’ve got some news to share! I know some of you have been wondering if you’ve been seeing a little bump on screen lately… well, it’s not your imagination…I’m having a baby!’.

She added: ‘We’ve never been so excited and a little nervous all at once. Thank you for all the love and support.’

In upcoming episodes Ruby decides to confront Manpreet at the surgery about her fling with Ross.

Manpreet’s embarrassed and later on turns up at the Depot to retaliate. Ruby refuses to speak to her, so Manpreet hijacks a forklift and refuses to get off until Ruby talks to her.

Goading Ruby, Manpreet brings up the subject of her ill-advised dalliance with Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) on the day of Moira (Natalie J Robb)’s surgery.

Ruby brushes this off as it’s old news, but when Manpreet mentions Steph, Ruby flips and attacks her.

The fight escalates and they’re both eventually arrested and taken into custody – giving them ample opportunity to thrash out their differences.