| Ruby Allen | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EastEnders character | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Portrayed by | Louisa Lytton | ||||||||||||||||||
| Duration | 2005–2006, 2018–2021, 2024–present | ||||||||||||||||||
| First appearance | Episode 2908 18 March 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Classification | Former; regular (returning) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Kathleen Hutchison (2005) John Yorke (2018) Chris Clenshaw (2024) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Spin-off appearances | The Queen Vic Quiz Night (2020) | ||||||||||||||||||
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Ruby Allen is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Louisa Lytton from 18 March 2005 to 23 November 2006, and then again from 18 September 2018 to 17 September 2021. The character and casting were announced in February 2005, and Ruby was introduced in March that year by producer Kathleen Hutchison. She was featured in storylines surrounding her gangland father Johnny Allen (Billy Murray), with whom she shared a problematic relationship with due to his criminal lifestyle. Other storylines included a close friendship with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), and an engagement to Stacey's brother Sean (Robert Kazinsky) - which affected their friendship. In July 2006, Lytton was axed from the show due to limited possibilities for the character following the death of her on-screen father, and Ruby departed on 23 November 2006. In July 2018, it was confirmed Lytton would return after a twelve-year absence. Ruby returned on 18 September 2018 and departed once again on 17 September 2021. She is set to reprise the role in 2024.[1][2]
Following Ruby's initial departure, Lytton had expressed a disappointment in her exit, but stated that she would always be grateful for the role. In July 2018, it was announced that producer John Yorke had decided to reintroduce the character. After a twelve-year hiatus, Ruby returned on 18 September 2018 to reunite with her best friend Stacey. Producers soon placed her at the centre of a sexual consent storyline, involving a special episode about the views surrounding consent. Lytton and the storyline were praised by viewers and critics alike. In March 2021, Lytton announced she was expecting her first child and would go on maternity leave later in the year.[3] Ruby departed in the episode broadcast on 17 September 2021.[4] In March 2022, Lytton admitted she may not return to the soap following her maternity leave.[5] However in September 2024, it was announced that Lytton would be reprising the role for a prolonged stint later in the year ahead of the show's 40th anniversary, which is traditionally known as the "Ruby" anniversary.[6]
- ^ "EastEnders announces Ruby Allen return as Louisa Lytton reprises role". Digital Spy. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "EastEnders confirms Ruby Allen comeback as Louisa Lytton returns to role after three years". Radio Times. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "EastEnders' Louisa Lytton announces she's pregnant in emotional Mother's Day post". Manchester Evening News. 14 March 2021.
- ^ "EastEnders airs Ruby Allen shock exit scenes". Digital Spy. 17 September 2021.
- ^ "BBC EastEnders' Louisa Lytton admits she may not return to soap". Birmingham Live. 25 March 2022.
- ^ "Ruby Allen set to return to EastEnders as Louisa Lytton reprises the role later this year". BBC Media Centre. Retrieved 3 September 2024.