Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) returns to EastEnders next week – and there’s a huge shock in store for Martin Fowler (James Bye).
We last saw Ruby on our screens in 2021, when she was locked up as a result of Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) framing her for growing a cannabis farm. The deed was the Slaters’ way of revenge for her lying to falsely imprison Stacey (Lacey Turner).
At the time, it was strongly hinted that Ruby was pregnant with ex-husband Martin’s baby, something which was recently confirmed within the BBC soap.
Last month, when Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) was behind bars with Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), who revealed that she had briefly shared a cell with Ruby.
Sharon was then stunned when Chrissie unknowingly revealed she’d had Martin’s baby, telling of how Ruby had been moved after giving birth.
Since then, the right opportunity to tell him the shocking truth hasn’t arose.
In upcoming scenes, she’s continuing to struggle, especially when she sees him consulting Mr Lister (Nick Wilton) about the closure of the Bridge Street Market.
Losing your livelihood and finding out you have another child at the same time? Probably not the best conversation.
Later, Sharon confronts Martin in The Vic and reveals what Chrissie told her. The floor falls from beneath his feet as he confides in Stacey, who questions whether it is true or another of Chrissie’s lies.
Still in disbelief, Martin goes to speak with Sharon and is spooked when she produces a birth certificate.
He asks for Ruby’s address in the hope he can confront her himself – but the pair are startled by a knock at the door, and she storms in accusing Martin of stealing from her!
Sharon is quick to correct her, as Martin asks the big question… do they have a child together?
Ruby finally admits that they do indeed have a son, and after a huge row with Stacey, she drops another bombshell.
‘All along, she told Martin she was pregnant and he didn’t believe her’ actress Louisa told Metro.
‘She’s gone off to prison and we haven’t seen her for two or three years, but she says in that time she’s had no contact, no visits at all from Martin.
‘So she takes it upon herself to not push forward with trying to prove to him that she’s had this baby, I think because she’s so hurt.’
As the week goes on, Martin continues to seek answers whilst Stacey promises to support her ex-husband in his battle.
It seems that Ruby is a woman scorned, though Louisa has promised that she has a new outlook: ‘I think her priorities in life have changed. I think she’s finally got purpose.’
‘She’s had a baby and it’s changed her purpose – she isn’t the lying, manipulative character we were left with.
‘She’s lost everything, she’s lost all her money, her finances, her house. She’s starting from scratch but she’s happy. When we first see her come back she’s happy with her lot.’
Louisa’s return stint coincides with a number of high-profile returns to celebrate the upcoming 40th anniversary.
‘I feel like I’ve come back at a really good time because I’ve literally come back for the build-up to Christmas and then the 40th anniversary’ Louisa added.
‘It’s a really busy time to be on the show. It’s going to be talked about, it’s going to be everywhere.
‘The stakes are so high and that’s when this show is at its best. It’s a really good time to be back.’
