Emmerdale sh0cks viewers with REAL-LIFE BABY BUMP of Georgia Jay (plays Steph Miligan) – Reveals MATERNITY LEAVE TIMING, fans stirred!

Emmerdale viewers were left distracted by the real-life baby bump of actress Georgia Jay, who plays Steph Miligan.

Georgia’s character Steph made her first appearance last year as the estranged daughter of Ruby (Beth Cordingly) and Caleb (William Ash).

Around the same time, Ruby’s father Anthony (Nicholas Day) also arrived, causing upheaval in Ruby’s life. As Anthony settled into village life, it became apparent that Ruby was concealing something about her father.

It was later disclosed that Anthony had s3xually ab::sed Ruby when she was a teenager. In a shocking revelation, it was also confirmed that Anthony was Steph’s biological father.

Once Anthony’s heinous crimes came to light, he was mrd3red by his daughter Ruby, with several other villagers, including Caleb, Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) and Cain (Jeff Hordley), involved in covering up the crime, reports the Daily Star.

Fans spotted her baby bump (Image: ITV)

After learning the truth about Anthony, Steph spiralled out of control and, in a tragic turn of events, attempted to alter her physical appearance. Thankfully, she was rescued by Ruby and Caleb and is now receiving therapy.

Moreover, recently, Georgia Jay announced her pregnancy. During Thursday’s episode (July 31), sharp-eyed fans couldn’t help but spot Georgia’s baby bump.

In the episode, Steph confided in Lewis (Bradley Riches) about her regrets regarding his brother Ross (Mike Parr). This led to Lewis becoming determined to bring the pair back together.

The actress is expecting her first child (Image: ITV)

However, viewers were swift to notice actress Georgia’s baby bump during her scenes.

One fan declared on X: ” They are clearly making no attempt to hide the fact that Steph is about to make her exit for Mat leave very soon!”. Another viewer commented: “Not doing a very good job of hiding Steph’s bump there are they? Unless they’re going to include it in a storyline..”

A third remarked: “I am so confused right now. Actress playing Steph is pregnant IRL, but I’m not sure if her character is supposed to be pregnant as well.” Another also penned: “Steph is hiding her pregnancy well. Well sort of, with bags and laptops.”