EastEnders star Louisa Lytton on why fan reactions prove Ruby Allens rape story was the right thing to do
EastEnders star Louisa Lytton has revealed that some of the comments being made in response to Ruby Allens consent and rape storyline are proof that the soap is right to tackle the issue – which should be black and white but still appears to be a minefield.
In the wake of scenes which saw Ruby open up to Stacey about what happened after she went home with Ross and Matt, many fans were quick to praise the episode for tackling the issue and shining a light on the types of behaviour that remain prevalent during nights out.
However, some others were left questioning whether Ruby was to blame, making comments about the way she had flirted and her decision to go back to their house party. And Louisa reckons that this conflict in opinions is exactly why soaps and other programmes need to keep covering consent.
She told Metro.co.uk: At first people were like: “Oh another rape storyline” but no thats not what it is at all. This is a problem that we are facing every day – its happening everywhere and in every generation and its so important to tackle it and continue the storyline and really expose it for what it is. Hopefully it will eventually lead to a court case – its almost like a taboo subject and it shouldnt be.
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The storyline reaches another peak moment this week when Ross and Matt are charged with rape. And as news spreads following a report in the Gazette, Ruby finds herself pulled into a debate on consent raging at the Vic in a special standalone episode.
She shared: Its such a great episode because thats exactly what is happening at the moment, even with people around me. Ive had so many different people giving different views and asking different questions. All we wanted to portray is that in the real world at the moment, this is what is happening. People have different views – different generations, men and women.
Each different character has a different opinion on rape and on consent and Ruby is having to be in the situation where she can hear people talking about it without knowing its about her. The paranoia sets in – its a different episode but I think its needed as there have been so many questions around this storyline. Its needed to highlight all the different views.
You can find more information, support and advice by heading to the website of Rape Crisis.
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