Emmerdale is unfolding a new mystery after a shocking discovery of a woman in a van at the depot left Caleb Miligan and Joe Tate scrambling to keep the police at bay.

In Wednesday’s (October 22) episode, the pair found a woman hiding in the back of a van — setting off a chain of events that could have lasting consequences for the village.

Joe and Caleb find themselves in trouble in Emmerdale

Tonight, Joe approached Caleb hoping to persuade him not to go to the police after witnessing him run down Jimmy King. Nicola King remains convinced Joe acted deliberately and is determined to make him pay.

But before the two could finish their tense exchange, they heard a noise coming from one of the yard’s vans. When Caleb opened the doors, he discovered a woman inside.

Ruby arrived shortly after and managed to coax the frightened woman out of hiding. Joe realised this could work in his favour, warning Caleb that if the police discovered her, he could be in serious legal trouble.

Joe distracted the officers while Ruby and Caleb moved the woman out of sight — forcing Caleb to back Joe in return.

Who is Anya, and why is she in Emmerdale?

The woman, identified as Anya, appeared frightened and unwell. Joe pointed out that the van had travelled abroad and speculated she may be an illegal immigrant.

Ruby insisted on helping, taking Anya home, feeding her, and allowing her to rest. When Caleb discovered what had happened, he was furious. He warned Ruby that keeping Anya hidden could implicate them in human trafficking.

Ruby stood her ground and tomorrow night (Thursday October 23) will call Liam Cavanagh to examine her. Liam says that Anya needs medical attention and urges Ruby to contact the authorities.

Next week, Ruby and Caleb’s disagreement intensifies. Caleb insists Anya must leave, but Ruby refuses. Overhearing the argument, Anya decides to disappear. Ruby is devastated, but Caleb believes it’s for the best.

However, Ruby may not give up so easily — will she track Anya down again?

Possible link to Bear Wolf’s missing-days storyline

Fans have already begun speculating that Anya’s arrival could tie into Bear Wolf’s upcoming standalone episode, which will explore his 100 missing days after leaving for Ireland.

The episode will see Bear “trapped in an all-too-common situation for a forgotten generation.”

Joe Absolom, who plays Ray Walters, recently hinted that Bear’s absence will connect to Ray’s backstory, saying:

“We see in episodes later on when I talk to Bear, little hints of what his life has been like.”

Online theories suggest human trafficking could be a central theme. One viewer posted a picture of Anya stating: “The human trafficking story that Bear is involved in has begun.”

Actor Joshua Richards (Bear) previously appeared in Sold, a 2007 John Godber play that tackled the same subject, which he described as “profound and full of alarming facts.”

Could Emmerdale be preparing to take on another powerful social issue?

Read more: Emmerdale fans question disappearance of Evan Fletcher

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.