EastEnders has announced the dramatic return of Ruby Allen, with Louisa Lytton reprising her role once again. After nearly three years away from the soap, the actor will return for a prolonged stint later this year, bringing big drama to Albert Square.

Ruby first appeared in EastEnders in 2005, as the teenage daughter of infamous crime boss Johnny Allen – and she got caught in the middle of her dad’s feud with Phil Mitchell. She left Walford in the back of a cab in 2006, but then made a triumphant return 12 years later in 2018.

Ruby was perhaps best known for her friendship with Stacey Fowler, but this relationship broke down when she got involved with Stacey’s ex-husband Martin. A fierce rivalry developed between the pair which escalated when Ruby and Martin got married in 2020, and the next year Ruby falsely accused Stacey of assault and sent her former friend to prison.

Ruby left Albert Square for a second time in November 2021 when she was framed by Jean for being behind the cannabis farm and was arrested. Shortly before this, she claimed that she was pregnant with Martin’s baby, but her constant lies meant that Martin refused to believe her.

It remains uncertain as to whether Ruby was telling the truth about her pregnancy, but if she was, Martin will have a young child that he has never met. Regardless, Ruby’s return is sure to cause chaos for both Martin and Stacey, who assumed they had seen the back of her.

In a statement, Lytton said: "I am thrilled to have been asked back to the Square to revisit Ruby once more, and to shed some light on what the past three years have been like for her during her time away from Walford. I’ve always loved playing Ruby as there is never a dull moment and I cannot wait for everyone to see what Ruby has in store."

Chris Clenshaw, the show’s executive producer, said: "I’m delighted to welcome Louisa Lytton back to the role of Ruby Allen. Ruby’s departure from Walford left many unanswered questions for Martin and Stacey, and her return is sure to unearth a whole heap of drama for her character and all those involved."

Ruby's Return Brings Baby Drama

Ruby's departure from the Square left many questions unanswered, and one of the biggest is whether she was actually pregnant with Martin's child. At the time, Ruby claimed to be expecting, but her history of lying led Martin to doubt her. However, the last scene with Ruby saw her holding a positive pregnancy test in the back of a police car, leaving viewers with a huge cliffhanger.

Now, with Ruby's return to Albert Square, the mystery surrounding her pregnancy will finally be revealed. Will she arrive with a baby in tow? Will Martin be forced to face his potential fatherhood? And how will Stacey react to Ruby's return and her possible baby?

Repercussions for Martin and Stacey

Ruby's return is sure to cause turmoil for both Martin and Stacey. Martin, who has been trying to move on from his troubled relationship with Ruby, will be confronted with the possibility of a child he never knew about. This will likely cause tension and conflict with Stacey, who is still trying to rebuild her life after Ruby's betrayal.

Stacey will likely be filled with anger and resentment towards Ruby for everything she has done. Their long-standing rivalry is unlikely to be resolved easily, and the arrival of a potential baby could further complicate things. The drama is sure to unfold as Ruby navigates her return to Walford, dealing with the fallout from her past actions and facing the possibility of motherhood.

Welcome Back, Ruby!

Ruby's return is a welcome addition to EastEnders, and Louisa Lytton's performance as the character is sure to bring plenty of drama and intrigue. With the mystery of Ruby's pregnancy, the complicated relationships with Martin and Stacey, and the unresolved issues from her previous stint, Ruby's return is sure to be explosive and full of surprises. We can't wait to see what Ruby has in store for Walford!