Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) world has been flipped upside down following the return of Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton), and the arrival of his young son in EastEnders.
Earlier this year, when Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) was sent to prison for contempt of court, she discovered some information about Ruby from cellmate Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman).
Sharon learnt that Ruby had been pregnant and was moved to a mother and baby wing when she gave birth. It didn’t take long for Sharon to realise that the baby must have been Martin’s, and when she returned to Albert Square she was quick to ask Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) for advice.
Sharon revealed her concerns that Ruby would only bring trouble into Martin’s life, but Phil insisted that keeping secrets would be worse in the long run.
A few days ago, while in hospital, Ruby and Martin discovered their little boy might need a liver transplant. An update from a doctor was then delivered, with Ruby learning she isn’t a blood match, but Martin might be.
While the test was being processed, Martin outlined his plan to Stacey (Lacey Turner). He said he will lull Ruby into a false sense of security, and then go for custody of their child.
Coming up, Ruby’s return continues to cause problems. After freshening up, she returns to the hospital so Martin can go home for a small break.
There, he finds himself clashing with Stacey over how he’s approaching his situation with Ruby.
It is most certainly a risk – will Stacey stay quiet over Martin’s plan?
Reflecting on the dynamic between Ruby and Stacey, Louisa said: ‘It’s so heartbreaking because I feel like so much has happened and I don’t know how they could ever come back from that, but the sad thing about them is in another world they would have been like sisters.
‘You can see that they were meant to be literally like sisters, the best of friends. I’m not sure but it’s really sad and it’s lovely for us to play, this love/hate relationship because you don’t tend to get that on soaps.
‘It’s usually one or the other whereas with us every scene is like a struggle because Ruby would love them to be friends and Stacey just hates that she’s ruined it.’
