Ruby Allen
Ruby Allen | |||||||||||||||||
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EastEnders character | |||||||||||||||||
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Portrayed by | Louisa Lytton | ||||||||||||||||
Duration | 2005–2006, 2018–2021 | ||||||||||||||||
First appearance | Episode 2908 18 March 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
Last appearance | Episode 6344 17 September 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||||||||
Introduced by | Kathleen Hutchison (2005) John Yorke (2018) | ||||||||||||||||
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.
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.[1] Ruby departed in the episode broadcast on 17 September 2021.[2] In March 2022, Lytton admitted she may not return to the soap following her maternity leave.[3]
Storylines
2005–2006
Ruby arrives in
Ruby catches Johnny having an affair with
Ruby discovers that Johnny is an alcoholic in "Get Johnny Week" and she leaves him to Phil. She and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) have a heart to heart, and Grant discovers that Phil paid Juley to sleep with Ruby. Grant is furious and burst into Johnny's office where Phil is holding Johnny until he confesses to Dennis's murder. This gives Johnny a chance to get away. There is a big chase, which results in Danny Moon (Jake Maskall) handcuffing the brothers and marching them into the forest. He is about to kill Grant when Jake Moon (Joel Beckett) shoots him instead and kills him. Ruby persuades Johnny to hand himself in, and that she will never forgive him if he doesn't. To please her, he hands himself in, and he is imprisoned for the murders of both Dennis and Andy Hunter (Michael Higgs). Ruby promises to visit Johnny whilst he is in prison.
When Ruby returns to Walford, Charlie Slater (Derek Martin) allows her to move in with him and the Slaters. Ruby later discovers that Jake had murdered Danny, and she is furious with him. Jake becomes obsessed with Ruby's welfare, and takes over the running of her club until she turns 18 in October. Ruby withdraws £2000 for a holiday, but decides to return it and is mugged by Juley in the process. Ruby then begins a relationship with Sean Slater (Robert Kazinsky), Stacey's brother, unaware that he is a womaniser who is only dating her for her money. Jake is furious when he discovers Sean's plans, and he does all he can to persuade Ruby to leave him. Jake lets Johnny know about Ruby's relationship with Sean, and informs him about Sean's plans, so Johnny calls for Sean to visit him in prison. On Ruby's 18th birthday in October 2006, Sean meets Johnny in the prison visiting room, and he aggravates Johnny with plans on what he was going to do to Ruby. Johnny is furious, and plans revenge. That night, Ruby is vexed by Jake's interference which leads to an argument, calling him a "murderer" and a "psychopath", which resulted in Jake departing Walford to start anew out of the country - thereby leaving Ruby to fend for herself. That same night on her birthday, Ruby finds out that Johnny has died from a heart attack after the confrontation with Sean in prison.
Ruby is left heartbroken following her father's death, and is even more so when Sean lacks comfort and support. On the day of Johnny's funeral, Ruby goes missing and Sean finds her - slumped behind the desk in the Scarlet office - with a bottle of vodka. Later, she speaks to Pat who made her think, by saying that her father was normally right about people, including Jake and Sean. Sean later proposes to Ruby, stating he has genuine feelings for her, and she accepts. Later, Ruby learns from Stacey that Sean had cheated on her with
2018–2021
After twelve years, Ruby returns to Walford and reunites with Stacey at the
In February 2019, Ruby is hosting a party for
Ruby's trial is coming up, and she begins to fear that it will not deliver justice. So thinks about how her father might handle the situation, and decides to try for revenge. She lures Matt and Ross back to the Square by pretending to be another girl. Ross comes to her apartment, and while confronting him, she manages to drug him. Meanwhile, Ross has sent Matt a picture of Ruby along with the message "Round Two?" The message is seen by Martin, who is catching up with Matt at the time, and finally realises that what Ruby said is true. Him and Stacey rush to Ruby's apartment, where she is preparing to castrate Ross. They convince her to trust in the Courts, and Martin suggests that they hand Ross' phone in to the police, as it contains incriminating text messages between Ross and Matt. Ruby decides against this, knowing that it would also incriminate her for what she tried to do to Ross. The trial proceeds, and is an emotional experience for both Ruby and Stacey, who support each other throughout. Matt eventually breaks on the stand, admitting that he does not know whether Ruby had consented or not. Matt and Ross are found guilty and sentenced to ten years in prison. After Stacey encourages her to move on with her life, Ruby decides to start a relationship with Jay. Whilst Ruby and Jay are on and off, Jay's ex-girlfriend
In the summer, Ruby starts dating Max Branning (Jake Wood). Max wanted their relationship to be kept a secret from Stacey, but Ruby was unaware as to why. One evening, Stacey delivers some food to his doorstep, but is gobsmacked to find Ruby with him. Max then decides to tell Ruby about his sexual past with Stacey, and she is left stunned, but decides to stay with him. Stacey starts to feel betrayed by Ruby for sleeping with Max, but their friendship is not affected. Max and Ruby's relationship doesn't survive however, with Max confessing to her that he was going through a "midlife crisis". However, they later reunite.
In November 2019, Mel decides to sell her half of the E20, and offers Ruby the chance to buy both hers and
Ruby hires Martin as the new bouncer of her club, making Max jealous. As Ruby and Martin become closer, Ruby leaves Max. Ruby later begins a relationship with Martin and is shocked to find that somebody is stealing her money. Due to financial difficulty, Ruby stages a robbery with Vinny which results in Martin being seriously injured by Vinny. Ruby discovers that Stacey is the culprit behind her missing money; as revenge against Ruby for dating Martin, and she plans to report her to the police, but is stopped by Martin who only wants Stacey to stay, so he can see his children. Soon after in October 2020, Ruby and Martin announce their marriage, much to the shock of Stacey. Ruby hosts a celebration at the club and forces Stacey to join, leading to a confrontation when Ruby continues to belittle Stacey. They almost make amends until Stacey's daughter Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) reveals all the horrible things that Stacey had said about Ruby. Upset, Ruby arranges for Stacey to be attacked by a hooded figure outside the club. Ruby and Stacey's rivalry continues when Ruby is jealous that Martin is spending Christmas Day with Stacey and the Slaters. Unbeknown to Ruby, Stacey makes a pass at Martin but is rejected. A jealous Ruby accuses Stacey of plotting to win back Martin and warns her to stay away. During a conversation with Martin's friend Kush, he tells Ruby that Stacey is still interested in Martin and is scheming to win him back. As revenge on New Years Eve Ruby offers Kush money to run away with his and Stacey's son Arthur. She then claims to be pregnant so to keep Martin with her. In February 2021, Stacey discovers that Ruby was the perpetrator behind the robbery, Stacey's attack and Kush taking Arthur, which leads to a confrontation at the club where Ruby finds out she really is pregnant. Days later, Ruby and Martin want to take the kids on holiday and making Stacey angry about the lack of communication and worried if the kids will not return to her.
After visiting a clinic and stealing another woman's baby scan to protect her lies, Ruby suffers a miscarriage. During a further confrontation with Stacey at the club, she trips and falls on the stairs. She uses the fall as the explanation for losing the baby and accuses Stacey of pushing her. Finding CCTV footage from the club which appears to show this happening, she deletes the footage from another camera showing the truth and presents it to the police.
Creation and development
Casting and characterisation
Ruby Allen and her casting were announced on 3 February 2005.[4] Louisa Lytton was cast in the role.[4] Speaking of her casting, Lytton commented "I'm nervous and excited all at the same time to be joining EastEnders. This is an amazing opportunity and I can't believe that I'm going to be working alongside some of my favourite actors and actresses."[4]
Ruby has been described as "daddy's little princess, who has a bite when someone crosses her line."[5] Johnathon Hughes of the Radio Times said "Part of the somewhat shaky mid-2000s era of EastEnders, Ruby was the vulnerable, softly-spoken daughter of dangerous crime boss Johnny who's [sic] womanising and wide [sic] boy ways constantly saw him let his daughter down."[6] Sophie Dainty of Digital Spy stated "Despite being dangerous Johnny’s daughter, Ruby was a meek and mild little thing when she first arrived [...] she had been traumatised by a house fire that had killed her mum and her sister and developed a problematic sleep walking habit as a result."[7]
Departure
On 8 July 2006, Daniel Saney of Digital Spy reported Lytton would be written out of EastEnders following a mutual decision between the producers and the actress herself. It was decided that the character had no further purpose after the departure of her on-screen father, Johnny Allen (Billy Murray).[8] A spokesperson said "The way the storylines pan out means there's not really much scope for Louisa's character any more."[8] Lytton revealed that she had enjoyed her time at EastEnders, and called it a great experience. She added that she was looking forward to trying new things.[8] Executive producer Kate Harwood stated that Lytton was popular with fans and her character would get a "dramatic" exit.[8]
In December 2009, Lytton said she would have liked her EastEnders exit to have been more dramatic.
Reflecting back at her time on EastEnders during an interview with British Comedy Guide, Lytton told them, "I was 15 when I started. My family were not in the industry at all and it was so full on being in EastEnders. I was so young and I didn't know what to expect. It could have gone one of two ways - either I went off the rails or I grew up. I was focused and I grew up. I do feel really lucky."[12] Talking about whether she'd return to soap, Lytton revealed, "I loved my time on the soap [...] but I am not sure I would return to one again. Never say never!"
Reintroduction
Lytton's return to the series was announced on 18 July 2018, twelve years after her departure. Lytton began filming again in Summer 2018 and Ruby returned later in the year. While most of Ruby's return details were embargoed, it was confirmed that Ruby would reconcile with Stacey upon her return.[13] John Yorke, the show's executive consultant, approached Lytton with a return, and she quickly accepted the offer.[14] Lytton expressed her excitement to reprise the role and explore the character. She commented, "We last saw her twelve years ago as a young girl and now she is returning as a woman with scope for major change and some brilliantly challenging storylines."[13] Yorke expressed his delight at Ruby's return and described the character as "much more mature and confident".[13]
Further details about Ruby's reintroduction were released on 11 September. It was revealed that Ruby would anonymously contact Stacey and arrange to meet her at the
Lytton revealed that she was shocked to be asked back to EastEnders after such a long time, and told Metro UK, "In my head, obviously I’d always have loved to go back to the show because it was where I started out, but it had been so long that it was never an option in my head anymore [...] I genuinely never thought about it being an option, especially because my dad had died in the show."[17]
Sexual consent
Yorke confirmed that when Ruby returns, she would be involved in one of the show's "biggest storylines".
On 19 November 2018, a special episode of EastEnders focusing on Ruby's sexual assault was announced. The episode is entirely set in
Reception
For her portrayal of Ruby, Lytton was nominated for Best Soap Actor (Female) at the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards; she came in fourth place with 10.5% of the total vote.[23] Her sexual consent storyline was also nominated under the "Best Soap Storyline" category; it came in fifth place with 9.7% of the total vote.[23]
"Granted, EastEnders is not the first soap to tell a story of this kind, [...] but, in choosing to make this an issue-driven story, rather than a character-led one, EastEnders has cleverly managed to find its own place with Ruby's situation, during a time where issue-based storylines are rightfully becoming all the more prevalent."[24]
—Sophie Dainty (Digital Spy) on Ruby's sexual consent storyline (2018)
Lytton received a positive response from the audience about the storyline. Female viewers contacted the actress to let her know about when they related to the storyline.[25] The decision to use Ruby as the character in the sexual consent story was criticised following the announcement of the story, although Sophie Dainty, writing for entertainment website Digital Spy, thought it was a good choice as the characters and viewers would be unbiased when deciding whom to believe.[24] Dainty praised EastEnders for exploring an "important social issue" with Ruby's sexual consent storyline and the "extensive" research it undertook when developing the story.[24] She also commented, "EastEnders bosses weren't wrong when they said it would be one of the biggest stories of the year".[24] Katie Baillie of the Metro enjoyed Lytton's performance during the storyline and opined that she deserved an accolade as she did not appear to be acting, rather living the experience herself.[26]
Critics and viewers alike enjoyed the special episode about Ruby's consent storyline, describing it as "authentic, unflinching, and thoroughly thought-provoking",[24] "an episode we won't be forgetting in a while",[24] "one of the soap's all-time classics",[27] "one of the most poignant [episodes] in the history of EastEnders",[26] "nothing short of spectacular",[26] and "brave and ambitious".[25] Dainty (Digital Spy) also said that at times, the episode was "uncomfortable to watch" and "slightly unconventional".[24] Her colleague, Justin Harp, dubbed the episode an "emotional rollercoaster that viewers will not soon forget".[27] Dainty and Baillie (Metro) praised Lytton's performance during the rape storyline, with Dainty dubbing it "brilliant" and Baillie saying that it has "you going through a roller coaster of emotions".[24][26] Dainty described Ruby's speech at the end of the episode as "powerful and very public",[24] while Baillie said that it leaves the audience "with a fire in your belly ready to stand beside her and fight".[26] Viewers of the episode also enjoyed Lytton's performance, calling it "phenomenal" and "incredible".[27] Baillie noted that the episode is "filled with moments that will knock the wind out of you with some incredible one liners that catch you off guard".[26] Dainty thought that the special episode "unpicked and unravelled" each opinion of rape and consent.[24] The reporter believed that after the episode, there was "more ground to be covered in the aftermath".[24] Baillie enjoyed the writing of Ruby as someone who is upset and annoyed, yet not worried and frightened. She added that although Ruby is teary, her tears "take not one ounce away from her strength".[26]
Notes
See also
References
- ^ "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.
- ^ Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
- ^ "Ruby Allen EastEnders: Her evolution over the years". Daily Feed. 10 July 2019. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ Hughes, Johnathon (18 July 2018). "Ruby Allen is back - 8 things you'd forgotten about the returnee". Radio Times. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (18 September 2018). "Who is Ruby Allen?". Digital Spy. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
- ^ Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
- Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
- Hearst Magazines UK. 19 February 2014. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- ^ Executive Consultant: John Yorke; Director: Sean Healy; Writer: Carey Andrews (18 September 2018). "Episode dated 18/09/2018". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
- ^ Dodds, Emma (5 October 2018). "EastEnders' Louisa Lytton reveals why she was 'shocked' to be asked back". Heat World. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
- ^ Lindsay, Duncan [@DuncanLindsay] (13 September 2018). "It's not a character we have met yet, no" (Tweet). Retrieved 13 September 2018 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c Lindsay, Duncan (19 November 2018). "EastEnders spoilers: Louisa Lytton reveals all on special consent episode which sees Ruby Allen's rape ordeal exposed". Metro. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- ^ a b Bond, Kimberley (30 November 2018). "EastEnders sexual consent episode considered 'its best ever'". Radio Times. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g Baillie, Katie (29 November 2018). "EastEnders spoilers: 12 massively important moments from Ruby Allen's consent episode everyone should be watching". Metro. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 29 December 2018.