EastEnders’ Louisa Lytton on Ruby’s baby lie and what the future holds for her and Martin

As I delve into the captivating world of Ruby and Stacey, it’s impossible not to be drawn into their tumultuous friendship. The bond between these two women is as complex as it is compelling, a testament to the raw emotion and drama that EastEnders has always mastered so effortlessly.

As a captivated observer, I can’t help but notice the effortless cunning and deception that defines Ruby Allen, a woman whose upbringing under a relentless gangster has honed a resilient spirit that’s been tested by years of self-reliance.

Speaking about Ms. Allen’s deception towards her ex-husband, claiming she gave away a baby he was unaware of for adoption, when in truth the boy is critically ill in the hospital, takes cunningness to a new level. As Louisa Lytton‘s character Ruby returns to EastEnders following a three-year absence, what are her thoughts on Ruby’s dishonesty?

Bringing Martin back into her life might have disrupted her current situation. Despite wanting motherhood for a long time, he didn’t believe her when she shared the news of her pregnancy, which occurred three years ago while she was in jail. As such, she feels justified in proceeding without him.

Regarding the claim that Mr. Fowler’s long-lost child was given away, Lytton argues that this wasn’t a premeditated deception but rather an impulsive statement. He suggests that Ruby didn’t intend to say it and had no plans to encounter Martin at all. Her main purpose in Walford was to retrieve the stolen birth certificate from Sharon and Phil, which proved her child’s existence. Caught off-guard by the queries, she invented the adoption story as a way to return to her son quickly.

It’s clear that he’s critically ill at the hospital. Yet, Ruby chose to deceive because she felt Martin didn’t care about their son. I suspect she doesn’t want to confront the reality of what happened to her child, or why he ended up in the hospital in the first place.

This recent turn of events significantly alters the path of Ruby’s highly-awaited return to action in an unforeseen manner. Although she hasn’t become softer, the challenge of managing her son’s delicate health situation has led to a more emotionally mature Ruby compared to the one we previously knew.

According to Lytton, “Having a child has transformed her.” It’s not the person everyone thought she would become. He believes that portraying Ruby as multi-dimensional was essential because she possesses warmth, empathy, and a tragic side. When someone experiences so much sadness, it can lead them to act irrationally and make poor choices. Being a mother adds another layer, yet Ruby remains a lost soul who yearns for love above all else.

Ruby was initially portrayed as a timid, empathetic teenager who distanced herself from her criminal father, Johnny Allen, a notorious figure, and developed a close friendship with a teenage Stacey Slater in 2005. The consequences of Johnny’s felonies, which unfortunately led to the deaths of Ruby’s mother and sister, eventually caught up with him, and he passed away in prison in 2006. With her father gone and her relationship with Stacey strained, a sorrowful Ruby departed soon after – foreshadowing a pattern of tumultuous relationships that would persist.

In 2018, Lytton was taken aback when EastEnders reintroduced Ruby, a character who hadn’t been seen for 12 years. Originally a timid teenager, Ruby had transformed into a tough businesswoman by then. From 2018 until her maternity leave in 2021, Lytton continued to play the role, having a three-year-old daughter named Aura with husband Ben Bhanvra. She expressed interest in coming back at some point, although she wasn’t sure exactly when.

She recollects that she was aware there was a significant plotline involving Ruby being pregnant with Martin’s child, which was waiting to unfold. However, there was no specific conversation about when this event would take place. After departing with a sense of ’till we meet again’, she went on to have a baby, engage in some theater performances, and work on a few minor projects. When EastEnders reached out, she didn’t hesitate because she felt prepared to return full-time.

Returning to something you’re accustomed to, especially when you have a child, can be quite advantageous. You’re already acquainted with the tasks and personalities involved, and you understand the workings of the schedule. It feels comfortable and you feel more prepared. Working at EastEnders once again is truly a unique experience, it’s delightful to be back here, collaborating with talented individuals like Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater) once more. I shared my very first scene with her in 2005, and now, as we both are mothers, we’re still part of this dynamic team!

Lytton appears to be thrilled to return and genuinely appreciative for the exceptional chance to once more explore a character she’s played intermittently for more than half her career. In essence, contrary to popular belief suggesting she’s been a continuous presence on EastEnders for two decades, when you account for her on-and-off appearances, it hasn’t been an extensive tenure as the total screen time isn’t significant.

I entered the world intending to act in various roles across film, theatre, television, and travel. Being part of EastEnders has given me the opportunity to explore other aspects during my time away, and it’s delightful to remain connected with the show. After all these years, returning feels like playing a fresh interpretation of Ruby each time – she’s evolved from a young girl into an adult and then a parent.

Back in the days before streaming dominated our television scenery, EastEnders was still pulling in a massive audience with every terrestrial broadcast, when I, at 15, found myself joining the cast. It’s hard to describe the whirlwind of emotions when suddenly thrust into the limelight.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve spent my entire life immersed in the world of cinema, and then one day, I found myself standing on Albert Square, working alongside the legendary Steve McFadden, who continues to leave me awestruck even today! It was an exhilarating ride, but every moment was worth it.

“Billy Murray, the actor who portrayed Johnny, was fantastic and very supportive. He often spent time with me and my parents, taking us to Victoria Park in east London on weekends. Billy would assist me in memorizing lines, and he was exceptional at it. I even tried to bring back the character Johnny Allen through our producer, but sadly, he passed away during filming, which is unfortunate. Still, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we might have another chance to work with him!

In 2006, Lytton directly moved from the Square to participate in Strictly Come Dancing. That year, she advanced to the quarter-finals of the fourth series alongside her professional partner Vincent Simone. She is particularly cherished among fans as one of the youngest celebrities ever to compete on the show.

I eagerly hope for a Strictly All Stars season someday, so I could return! Truthfully, if given the chance, I’d participate annually. Watching the show with my daughter now stirs emotions within me as I recall that I was practically a child myself when I danced on it. I try to share this experience with Aura, but she seems skeptical when I tell her!

Currently, Lytton yearns for another chance on the Strictly dance floor, but at present, her attention is heavily directed towards Ruby’s re-entry into Walford. Given the intensity of her early episodes, it’s intriguing to imagine what awaits when she settles in comfortably. Will Ruby lower her guard and let Martin take on the role of their son’s father?

It appears that Ruby’s no longer as haughty and headstrong as before. Over time, she may come to recognize Martin’s goodness and potential as a fantastic father. Ideally, she’ll comprehend that it’s now more about what’s best for her son rather than just herself. Given her independence, Ruby seems to require a strong support system. Besides Martin, Stacey is the only one she confides in, which underscores how isolated she truly is.

Similar to several iconic female friendships portrayed in EastEnders, such as Tiffany and Bianca during their peak in the 90s, Ruby and Stacey have had their fair share of challenges. They’ve both been involved in situations where they falsely accused each other of crimes. Despite their past issues, they continue to be deeply connected. After all the troubles they’ve weathered together, one might wonder if Lytton still harbors hopes for a reconciliation between them.

In another existence, they might have been close as sisters. Beneath the surface, Ruby yearns for Stacey to be her support system, but due to her own self-destructive tendencies and envy, she’s damaged their relationship on numerous occasions. Despite their disagreements, Ruby consistently seeks ways to maintain a connection with Stacey. It’s peculiar. She might relinquish relationships with Martin or any other man in favor of rekindling their friendship with Stacey.

Lacey and I often say that we’d be thrilled if Ruby and Stacey become like Pat and Peggy someday – friends who share a complex relationship of both affection and animosity.

2024-11-20 11:05

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