EastEnders will air a storyline surrounding Ruby Allen and consent this autumn
EastEnders have revealed details of a new hard-hitting storyline which is due to air this autumn. In a statement released by the TV show they explained how they are working with Rape Crisis on a storyline involving Ruby Allen, when she returns to Walford.
According to the BBC, the issues of consent are tackled in the upcoming storyline which sees Ruby confide in Stacey Fowler about what happened after a party. When it soon becomes clear that the perpetrator's story is very different to Ruby's a debate starts surrounding consent.
Check out: All of next week's EastEnders spoilers
EastEnders Spoilers: Monday 17 - Friday 21 September
1 of 19Zara and Halfway nervously wait for Stuart to wake up
The Carters anxiously wait for an update on Stuart and everyone is relieved when they learn the doctors are going to try and bring him round; now he can tell the police what really happened. Despite the update, Shirley remains adamant that Dylan is responsible and hatches a plan to prove it.
2 of 19Halfway storms out of the hospital room
Later, as Stuart wakes, Halfway storms out of the room and admits to Whitney that even though he's glad Stuart's okay, he hates him for everything he's done.
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Zara interrupts them, announcing Stuart wants to speak to Halfway.
4 of 19A shock revelation!
As Halfway goes to see his brother, he is horrified when Stuart says it was Mick who shot him.
5 of 19Kush has a run in with Sophie
Kush is furious that Sophie is still hanging around and tells her to leave.
6 of 19However...
Carmel overhears and is angry and insists it's time to move forward, especially after meeting Bruno and seeing his remorse. Tensions escalate and Kush gives Carmel an ultimatum. Carmel apologises for Kush and determined to help Sophie so they set off to the council together to find Sophie somewhere to live.
7 of 19spoilers
In a later episode, Thrown by Kush's behaviour, Carmel is more determined than ever to help Sophie, insisting she reads her letter to Bruno's lawyer to help reduce his sentence.
8 of 19Kush breaks down
Later, Kush returns home and breaks down over everything that's happened.
9 of 19Meanwhile...
Stacey has been receiving some mysterious text messages.
10 of 19spoilers
Stacey goes to the E20 to find out who's been anonymously texting her and is met by a blast from her past – Ruby.
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Hayley and Kim head off to their antenatal class but decide against going and instead bond over their upcoming births. However, Hayley's good mood is short lived when she spots a blast from the past on the Square – her mum, Bev.
12 of 19spoiler
However, Hayley's good mood is short lived when she spots a blast from the past on the Square – her mum, Bev.
13 of 19Back at the hospital
The Carters reel from Mick's arrest and question Stuart's side of the story. When Halfway receives a call from Zara saying Stuart is giving his full statement, everyone scrambles to help in any way they can.
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It all soon becomes too much for Linda who storms to the hospital and accuses Stuart of lying but she is quickly ushered out by the police. Linda begs Zara to believe her but Zara deals a crushing blow to the Carters and corroborates Stuart's story.
15 of 19More drama for the Slaters
Elsewhere, Hayley's mum Bev turns up at the Slater's to a less than warm welcome from Hayley and Kat, who quickly tell her to get lost. Hayley is furious when she learns it was Jean who was inadvertently behind Bev's arrival but when Jean hands her some flowers from Bev, she decides to hear what she has to say.
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Later, Bev and Hayley head to the E20 where Bev reveals why she really came.
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The pair argue and Bev storms off but as she gets into a cab, Hayley begs for her mum's help when worries she's losing the baby. Despite her daughter being in pain, Bev drives off.
18 of 19Later..
On Friday, Hayley tries to hide what happened but Jean soon realises Hayley is not in a good way and insists she goes to A&E.
19 of 19Elsewhere
Stacey is determined to look her best for a big night out with Ruby, and when she can't afford a dress on Kush's stall, Martin surprises her later realising how much it means to her. At the E20, Stacey is distracted by Martin's constant calls, while a group of lads catch Ruby's eye
Speaking about her new storyline, Louisa 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 and although it is a huge responsibility, 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."
It's been revealed that viewers wont see the attack, however working with Rape Crisis, the show will highlight the complex issues that surround sexual violence.
Speaking about their involvement, Yvonne Traynor, the CEO of Rape Crisis South London said: "It is so vital to the safety of men, women and children to understand sexual violence and not to make assumptions or believe the myths and stereotypes that are often portrayed.
"EastEnders have taken this responsibility very seriously and ensured that their portrayal of sexual violence has been thoroughly researched and is based on realism which is, sadly, so prevalent in our country today."
John Yorke, Executive Consultant, EastEnders added: "From the original story of Kathy and Willmott-Brown, to the abuse of Little Mo by her husband, Trevor, andLinda’s attack by Dean, 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."
Louisa first joined EastEnders back in 2005, playing the role of Ruby who quickly became best friends with Stacey. However, following the death of her gangster father, Johnny, Ruby found comfort in the arms of Stacey's brother, Sean Slater but soon realised the feeling wasn’t mutual and fled Walford, feeling distraught, in 2006. However, 12 years later, Louisa's return to the soap was confirmed earlier this year.
Viewers will get to see the new storyline this autumn.
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