Ruby Button
Hollyoaks character
Portrayed byAnna Shaffer
Duration2011–2014, 2017–2018
First appearance3 January 2011
Last appearance30 April 2018
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byPaul Marquess (2010)
Bryan Kirkwood (2017, 2018)
In-universe information
OccupationStudent
BrothersDuncan Button

Ruby Button is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Anna Shaffer. Shaffer's casting was announced in December 2010 and it was revealed that Ruby would be introduced as the sister of Duncan Button (Dean Aspen). Shaffer originally auditioned for the role of Leanne Holiday, in which she was not successful. Shaffer began filming her scenes in late 2010 and relocated to Liverpool for filming. Ruby made her first appearance in the episode broadcast on 3 January 2011. In October 2013, it was announced that Shaffer had quit the role and would leave in February 2014. In October 2017, speculation emerged indicating Shaffer was to reprise the role very soon and on 16 November 2017, it was confirmed that Ruby would be back for Frankie Osborne's (Helen Pearson) funeral later that month. She returned on 23 November 2017, departing in the following episode, broadcast on 24 November 2017. She made another return for a guest stint at the end of April 2018, making her final appearance on 30 April.

Ruby was initially described as "sneaky" and likely to cause mayhem at Duncan's expense. Ruby is a tearaway and "occupies herself with tormenting others" including her best friend, Esther Bloom (Jazmine Franks). Ruby is illiterate and the official Hollyoaks website describe this as her "Achilles heel". However, Ruby does not let her illiteracy stop her causing trouble. The character has also been called a "bitchy schoolgirl" and sharp-tongued. Series producer, Emma Smithwick, said she wants the character of Ruby to be "more full and not two-dimensional".

Development

Casting and characterisation

"When I first auditioned, I think I was reading for the part of Leanne Holiday. It was nerve-wracking because they were filming it, and there were five people in the room. I just remember being very nervous, and really scared that the script would start shaking as I was holding it. I think I played it a bit cooler than I was actually feeling!"[1]

—Shaffer on the audition process (2011)

In December 2010, the Liverpool Echo reported that eighteen-year-old Shaffer would be joining the cast of Hollyoaks as Ruby, the sister of Duncan Button (Dean Aspen).[2] Shaffer originally auditioned for the role of Leanne Holiday, but she was later cast as Ruby.[1] Shaffer relocated to Liverpool, where Hollyoaks is filmed, for the role.[1] She began filming her scenes in late 2010.[3] Shaffer made her first on-screen appearance as Ruby in the episode broadcast on 3 January 2011.[4] In May 2011, it was speculated that Shaffer would be leaving Hollyoaks.[3] However, this was denied and a show spokesperson told Digital Spy "We don't want to spoil the storylines for the viewers, however we can confirm that Anna Shaffer is with Hollyoaks for the foreseeable future."[3]

Ruby was initially described as "sneaky" and likely to "cause mayhem at the expense of [Duncan]".[2] The official Hollyoaks website described Ruby as a "tearaway".[5] They dubbed her the "Rubester" and said she "occupies herself with tormenting others" including her best friend, Esther Bloom.[5] Digital Spy called Ruby a "bitchy schoolgirl" who is sharp-tongued.[3] Series producer, Emma Smithwick, said she wants the character of Ruby to be "more full and not two-dimensional".[6] Shaffer told OK Extra that Ruby is a "tart with a heart", but finds it hard to trust people.[7] She said "[Ruby] has deep-seated insecurities and she feels quite lonely."[7]

Illiteracy and school girl crush

In May 2011, it was revealed that Ruby is illiterate.[8] Pete organises a tutor, Colin Grimshaw, to teach Ruby to read and write.[9]

Shaffer opined that Ruby is grateful to Esther as Ruby "wouldn't have the guts".[8] The actress added that it was "nice" to see Ruby's vulnerability, but said it would not last.[8]

Rebellious behaviour

In May 2011, it was reported that she would soon "spiral out of control".[10] Ruby lies to Esther, telling her that she had sex with Riley.[11]

Of Ruby's lie, a Hollyoaks insider told the Daily Star "As far as [Riley and Doug are] concerned that's the end of it. But for Ruby the fun has just begun."[12] They added that Ruby is "one seriously mixed-up girl" and it is not long before her lie begins to spread.[12] Ruby tells her friends that she had sex with Riley and the rumour begins to spread around the village.[13] Riley's fiancé, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe), hears the rumour and is angry with Ruby.[13] The Daily Star reported that Ruby is left "red-faced" after Mercedes confronts her.[13] Mercedes tells Ruby that she must confess to making the lie up.[13]

Relationship with Jono

In December 2011, it was announced that Ruby would begin a relationship with Jono (Dylan Llewellyn).[14] Shaffer told a writer from Inside Soap that Ruby has "really fallen for Jono" and that while they have had their share of problems - a "proper attraction" remains between them. However, Jono is embarrassed because Ruby is still in school; Shaffer explained that he ensures that their dates happen when no one else is present. He does like her, but "it is taking a while to get there".[15] Ruby is sure of what she wants and she invites him over for sex - but their encounter causes them to feel more awkward around one another. Shaffer added that Ruby and Jono's romance would continue to develop over time and said that it would have plenty of "drama in store for both of them".[15]

Departure

On 31 October 2013, it was confirmed that Shaffer had decided to leave Hollyoaks.[16] A show spokesperson revealed that Shaffer's final scenes as Ruby will air in early 2014.[16] It was also confirmed that Ruby's on-off relationship with Ziggy Roscoe would face "more twists and turns" in the following weeks.[16] In her later storylines, Ruby bought cocaine from Trevor Royle and suffered a heart attack after taking it.

Reception

In August 2011, Inside Soap conducted a poll to find out which Hollyoaks character reader's most wanted to be murdered by serial killer, Silas Blissett (Jeff Rawle).[17] Ruby came second, receiving 21% of the vote.[17] Smithwick told Digital Spy that she "really like[s]" Shaffer.[6] Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap said that Jono was a bad boyfriend to Ruby and that she should have ended their relationship.[18]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Anna Shaffer is at your mercy!". Inside Soap. Hachette Filipacchi UK (29): 48. 23–29 July 2011.
  2. 1 2 Miles, Tina (28 December 2010). "Meet the new Hollyoaks cast members set to sizzle on screen". Liverpool Echo. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Kilkelly, Daniel (10 May 2011). "Ruby isn't leaving 'Hollyoaks'". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 3 January 2012.
  4. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (3 January 2011). "2986: Jason visits the clinic with Heidi". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 3 January 2012.
  5. 1 2 "Ruby Button (played by Anna Shaffer)". E4. Channel 4 Television Corporation. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
  6. 1 2 Kilkelly, Daniel (6 December 2011). "'Hollyoaks': More chat from producer Emma Smithwick". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 3 January 2012.
  7. 1 2 Kilkelly, Daniel (16 January 2012). "'Hollyoaks' Anna Shaffer wants Ruby, Jono future". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 16 January 2012.
  8. 1 2 3 "Ruby Exposed!". Inside Soap. Hachette Filipacchi UK (18): 26. 7–13 May 2011.
  9. ↑ "Shock Swap!". Inside Soap. Hachette Filipacchi UK (20): 24. 21–27 May 2011.
  10. ↑ Tyler, Laura-Jayne (28 May – 3 June 2011). "Ruby's Sex Lie!". Inside Soap. Hachette Filipacchi UK (21).
  11. ↑ "Episodes: 30 May - 03 June". E4. Channel 4 Television Corporation. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  12. 1 2 Hill, Susan (22 May 2011). "HOLLYOAKS: RUBY'S LOST HER SPARKLE". Daily Star. Northern and Shell. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Hill, Susan (29 May 2011). "HOLLYOAKS: MERCEDES FISHER LETS RIP". Daily Star. Northern and Shell. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  14. ↑ "2012 Special sneak preview Hollyoaks". Inside Soap. Hearst Magazines UK (52): 32. 31 December 2011 – 6 January 2012.
  15. 1 2 "Love or lust?". Inside Soap. Hearst Magazines UK (4): 27. 28 January – 3 February 2012.
  16. 1 2 3 Kilkelly, Daniel (31 October 2013). "'Hollyoaks': Anna Shaffer to leave Ruby Button role". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
  17. 1 2 "Your verdict". Inside Soap. Hearst Magazines UK (32). 13–19 August 2011.
  18. ↑ Ellis, Sarah (18–24 February 2012). "Soapbox". Inside Soap. Hearst Magazines UK (7): 97.
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