Who is Reuben’s real father in Emmerdale? Five jaw-dropping fan theories

CHLOE Harris’ pregnancy was shrouded in controversy as fans were immediately told that Mackenzie Boyd was the father.

However, many Emmerdale viewers are still unconvinced the hunk is the baby daddy and have come up with their own theories.

1. Mackenzie Boyd

Probability: 75%

Many fans of the ITV drama can’t see it any other way – Mackenzie Boyd is DEFINITELY the father of Chloe’s baby.

The heartthrob played by Lawrence Robb was at loggerheads with Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) over their plans for a family.

While Charity was recovering from terminating an ectopic, and thus life-threatening pregnancy, Mack was still keen to get back on the horse and try for another baby.

The Woolpack landlady re-evaluated her goals and made it clear to Mackenzie that children would be off the table.

An argument broke out and Mackenzie left to drown his sorrows – which led him straight into Chloe Harris’ bed.

Weeks went by before the truth was revealed and viewers speculated many Emmerdale ladies to be Mack’s mystery woman.

Jessie Elland’s character was confirmed to be the woman Mack cheated on Charity with and, to make matters worse, she was revealed to be pregnant with his child.

Mackenzie struggled with the idea of fatherhood while his relationship with Charity seemed to be going stronger by the day and they agreed to get hitched.

There appeared to be no doubt over Mackenzie being the father of Chloe’s baby but when she gave birth on April 20, 2023, fans began to suspect something was amiss.

2. Nate Robinson

Probability: 60%

As mentioned above, Chloe gave birth to Reuben in April, 2023, only seven months following her steamy encounter with Mack.

The pair were shown waking up from their heavy night in a hotel room in early September, 2022, and Chloe was revealed as Mack’s secret loved a month later.

And with no indication that Reuben was born prematurely, some viewers of the Yorkshire-based drama believe Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) could be Reuben’s real father.

This may well be the case as Nate is another one of Chloe’s former flings – but there’s one detail viewers need to be reminded of.

Nate spent his first night with Chloe on April 5, 2022, as her relationship with Noah Dingle steered straight to the rocks.

The pair flirted their way to a bedroom in the Woolpack but there has been no mention of them sleeping together again past early April last year.

There’s still a possibility for them to have spent more time together without viewers (or Mackenzie) knowing.

But if this hasn’t been the case, Nate couldn’t be the father as a pregnancy never goes past the nine-month mark.

Chloe would have had to be pregnant for more than a year if Nate really was Reuben’s father.

Could they have met up in secret?

3. Paddy Kirk

Probability: 20%

Another theory emerged on social media after recent Emmerdale scenes showed Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) struggling with the knowledge that Reuben was sick.

The beloved vet has mentioned that Reuben’s ordeal reminded him of his daughter Grace’s death.

This led to another downward spiral for Paddy as he vanished to spend some time by Grace’s tree before being found by Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter).

However, one fan took to Twitter, believing they’ve put two and two together – could Paddy be Reuben’s father?

While he hasn’t been seen in the company of Chloe, one scene has hinted at their connection according to the viewer.

The scene, aired in late 2022, showed Chloe in a car, on her way to Scotland after Sarah Sugden found out about her and Mackenzie sleeping together.

Paddy made himself small but was definitely caught staring at Chloe from a distance.

“Who remembers this!?”, the fan Tweeted, “I’m calling it that Mackenzie isn’t Reuben’s father AT ALL and it’s really Paddy’s child!! Some strange interactions and now Paddy is looking worried!? I need to know now.”

They added: “if this is the case it would be one hell of a twist!! Great story.”

Paddy was still happily married to Chas Dingle when Chloe supposedly became pregnant but had no clue his wife was having an affair with Al Chapman.

The businessman was killed off in late October, 2022, and Paddy confronted Chas about their affair two months later, just ahead of Christmas.

Could Paddy have cheated on Chas before finding out she was being unfaithful herself?

4. Jacob Gallagher

Probability: 20%

Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) is another potential suspect but with his appearances on our screens becoming sporadic, he isn’t very high on our list.

Chloe cheated on Noah Dingle with Jacob in the spring of 2022, which ultimately led to the beginning of the end for their relationship.

Following their night together, Chloe and Jacob remained on good terms but they’ve rarely been seen in each other’s presence since.

At the time of their one night stand, Jacob was still mourning the loss of former girlfriend Leanna Cavanagh and he had just found out Meena Jutla murdered the late teen on her birthday.

Since then, Jacob was met with his mother Leyla Harding’s cocaine addiction, her separation from Dr Liam Cavanagh and even nearly died after being stabbed by drug dealer Callum.

He most recently tried to get into university which could mean he has other things on his mind than fatherhood.

5. Noah Dingle

Probability: 10%

Closing off our list of suspects is Noah Dingle (Jack Downham), who is none other than Chloe’s former boyfriend.

The pair have had a deeply troubled past as the lad became obsessed with Chloe once she began to show interest in other villagers.

Noah not only harassed and stalked her, he also tried to assault Chloe in troubling scenes aired in May, 2022.

He was then sent to prison before being released and seemingly undergoing a personality change which was heavily criticised by fans on social media.

In most recent months, Noah embarked on a romantic relationship with Amelia Spencer and gave all of his attention to her daughter Esther (whom he was also suspected to have fathered).

A reformed villain, Noah made himself scarce when a pregnant Chloe was offered to stay with Charity Dingle and her family after being kicked out of house and home by her sister Amy Wyatt.

Due to their past, Noah didn’t feel it was appropriate for him to stay where Chloe lived and he swiftly moved in with Amelia Spencer.

But could he have slept with Chloe before his prison stint and becoming involved with Amelia?

Could there be more to him moving out of his own home for her?

Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7.30pm on ITV.