Iconic EastEnders character Louisa Lytton is set to reprise her role of Ruby Allen for a prolonged stint later this year ahead of the BBC One soap’s highly anticipated 40th anniversary next year. It means Martin Fowler could be in for a baby shock as the last time viewers saw Ruby three years ago, she was holding onto a positive pregnancy test.

Viewers last watched Ruby dramatically leave Albert Square in November 2021, after she was arrested over the Slater cannabis farm when Jean Slater (played by Gillian Wright) set her up for the crime. Ruby had claimed to be pregnant with Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) baby and had Stacey Slater ( Lacey Turner ) imprisoned as she accused her of assault in March 2021.

After telling Martin that she was pregnant with his baby, he failed to believe her. Still, when she got in the police car, Ruby was seen holding a positive pregnancy test so it remains uncertain whether Ruby was in fact telling the truth about her pregnancy. Still, it’s safe to say her return will cause chaos for both Stacey and Martin. Especially, if she returns with a baby, making Martin an unexpected dad.

EastEnders’ Martin Fowler could be in for a baby shock as Ruby Allen returns three years after viewers saw her holding a positive pregnancy test -Credit:BBC

Speaking on her return, Louisa 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.”

EastEnders executives revealed Ruby’s return is going to “unearth a whole heap of drama” as Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw 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 had claimed to be pregnant with Martin Fowler’s baby, and had Stacey Slater imprisoned as she accused her of assault in March 2021. -Credit:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Ruby made her first appearance in Albert Square in March 2005, as the daughter of infamous crime boss Johnny Allen (Billy Murray).

After a 12-year break, she returned once again in 2018, where she reunited with her former best friend, Stacey. However, their relationship broke down after Ruby got involved, and married Stacey’s ex-husband Martin.

When Louisa left Albert Square for the second time in 2021, she welcomed her first child shortly after, giving birth to Aura in August 2021. In 2023, Louisa said she had no plans of a return to the soap, but said she ‘wouldn’t rule it out’.

Ruby had Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) imprisoned as she accused her of assault in March 2021 -Credit:BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes

“I definitely could do it storyline-wise. Ruby was pregnant, so there’s a baby potentially waiting to turn up in Walford and James Bye [Martin Fowler] who played my husband at the time is still in the show.

“So, who knows? EastEnders was where I started out and I loved it there, so I’d never say never,” she told OK! last year. Louisa’s comeback comes after many exciting return announcements from the soap in the lead-up to its 40th anniversary.

Earlier this year it was confirmed David Wicks would also be reprising his role as Michael French, son of Walford’s infamous matriarch, Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement), and Pete Beale (Peter Dean).