Ruby Allen BBC Interview
Louisa describes her character Ruby Allen on the BBC website
Describe Ruby for us.
Her relationship with her dad’s changing too, isn’t it?
It’s really going up and down. She wants them to be a normal family the way that they were before her mum and sister died. She finds out a lot about his past and that breaks them up.
How does she feel about his secret life?
She feels really disillusioned. Her dad lied to her for years about his affair with Tina. Now he’s lied to her about his job. I think she knew that he was a little bit dodgy, but she didn’t realise how serious it was.
Stacey thinks it’s cool to have a gangster father. Why doesn’t Ruby feel the same?
It’s different for Ruby, it’s her dad. If he gets into trouble, somebody could come to hurt her, just as they did to her mum and sister. Also, everyone on the Square knows about his reputation and she doesn’t like that.
Do you like playing Ruby?
I love playing Ruby. She’s a great character to play. She’s upset a lot and it’s really emotional.
How do you get into the role?
With big emotional scenes, like losing your mum and your sister, you need to talk to someone who’s been through the situation. That way, you know exactly how to play it.
Who did you speak to about Ruby’s bereavement?
One of my friends lost their parents. I spoke to them and that really helped.
Who did you speak to about Ruby’s bereavement?
One of my friends lost their parents. I spoke to them and that really helped.
You had to cry on screen. How did you do that?
In the scene where Ruby had it out over the fire, the director described the horrible details of her mum’s death. It really upset me. Normally, I just try to think of something sad, or sit and stare into space until my eyes water!
How is Stacey important to Ruby right now?
Ruby and Stacey have their problems, but they have fun together. They’re always there for each other. They’ve probably never had that sort of bond with anyone else before.
Are you good friends in real life?
We get on really well. We go out together. Between scenes, we’ll be in Lacey’s room or my room listening to music, or we’ll go for something to eat. We have chats wherever we can find a quiet space!
What music are you listening to at the moment?
Lacey shares my taste. We’re listening to the Mariah Carey album a lot at the moment -very depressing! I’m also listening to Pretty Ricky. I like old-school garage, R n’ B and hip hop.
Who else are you friends with on set?
I’m friendly with everyone. Charlie Hawkins (Darren) lives near me. I’m friendly with Jo-Jo (Juley) and Mo (Gus), Joe (Mickey) and Natalie Cassidy (Sonia). Everyone’s really nice.
In the scene where Ruby had it out over the fire, the director described the horrible details of her mum’s death. It really upset me. Normally, I just try to think of something sad, or sit and stare into space until my eyes water!
How is Stacey important to Ruby right now?
Ruby and Stacey have their problems, but they have fun together. They’re always there for each other. They’ve probably never had that sort of bond with anyone else before.
Are you good friends in real life?
We get on really well. We go out together. Between scenes, we’ll be in Lacey’s room or my room listening to music, or we’ll go for something to eat. We have chats wherever we can find a quiet space!
What music are you listening to at the moment?
Lacey shares my taste. We’re listening to the Mariah Carey album a lot at the moment -very depressing! I’m also listening to Pretty Ricky. I like old-school garage, R n’ B and hip hop.
Who else are you friends with on set?
I’m friendly with everyone. Charlie Hawkins (Darren) lives near me. I’m friendly with Jo-Jo (Juley) and Mo (Gus), Joe (Mickey) and Natalie Cassidy (Sonia). Everyone’s really nice.
You recently did your GCSEs. How did they go?
Have your friends changed since you joined EastEnders?
I’ve got really close friends and they’ve all been brilliant. They haven’t changed at all towards me, and I haven’t changed towards them. You know who your true friends are.
How are you different to Ruby?
I’d say we’re different because of how she dresses. I’m a bit more confident than she is. She doesn’t have many friends, she only has one friend and her dad and doesn’t have a boyfriend. She’s not very sociable, whereas I am.
Which Walford lad would you choose for Ruby?
Probably Mickey, just because he’s a bit of a jack the lad, and I think he’d bring her out of herself.
What do you think of her style?
It’s getting a lot better. At first, she had her uniform, or jeans and t-shirts. Now, she’s growing up. She’s getting short skirts and high boots. I think Stacey influences her a lot.
How does Ruby’s style differ from yours?
We’ve quite different style. I’m more of a High Street fashion girl. Because her dad’s rich, she’s got a lot of money and she wears all of the labels. It’s a nightmare finding clothes for award ceremonies though!
Don’t you have your clothes provided for ceremonies?
No! It’s so stressful. For the Inside Soap Awards, I just wore a skirt and a top, but the NTAs are coming up. You’d think it would be so easy, you’d just walk into a shop and get a really nice dress but you can’t! Dresses are so expensive!