EastEnders fans praise Louisa Lytton after Ruby Allen reveals rape ordeal to Stacey Fowler

EastEnders fans praised actress Louisa Lytton as her character Ruby emotionally revealed her rape ordeal to Stacey Fowler.

During Tuesday’s episode, Ruby - who recently returned to Walford - confided in her pal about what happened when she left the reunion party they had attended the night before.

Explaining that she had gone back to Ross’ place after they left the club, later sleeping with him, Ruby said that she had woken up with another man, Matt, in bed with her before he had sex with her.

A devastated Ruby grappled with the realisation she had been raped by Matt, saying that she “didn’t say no”. In a powerful ending scene, Stacey told her that she “didn’t say yes”.

Fans were quick to commend the BBC soap for tackling the storyline, especially defining consent, and praise Lytton and Lacey Turner for the scenes.

One wrote: "Well done to #Eastenders for the Ruby storyline right now."

While another said: "Ruby realising what happened last night. I am sobbing #EastEnders."

“I wanted to give Ruby a hug bless her @louisalytton is an fantastic actress! Well done for raising awareness #EastEnders xx," added somebody else.

"Brilliant acting from @louisalytton I feel so sorry for ruby! Broke my heart #EastEnders," read a different tweet.

The scenes had aired intertwined with Ross and Matt telling Martin Fowler, an old school friend of theirs, the events of the previous night. The #MeToo movement was also mentioned, as was pornography.

Lytton’s return to the soap was announced earlier this year and it was soon revealed that Ruby would take centre stage in a rape storyline, working closely with charity Rape Crisis.

The actress said: “As someone that has been part of EastEnders before, and as a viewer of the show, I know the impact a storyline such as this can have.

“I feel honoured to be part of something that, by working alongside Rape Crisis, we all hope can help end the many misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.”

Boss John Yorke said: "EastEnders has always been at the forefront of dealing with these topical and sensitive issues.

"Whilst this story centres round an unseen rape, its real focus will challenge the stereotyping and myths that can surround sexual violence and consent.

"As a subject, it’s difficult and incredibly moving but we hope that by EastEnders tackling this issue we can raise awareness about an incredibly important issue.”

EastEnders continues Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One. For support and information, you can visit https://rapecrisis.org.uk/.