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 from 18 September 2018 onwards. 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 her on-screen father's departure, and Ruby departed on 23 November 2006. 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. In July 2021, Lytton admitted she was in no rush to return to work following her maternity leave. She departed in the episode broadcast on 17 September 2021.