What Happened to Ruby in Coronation Street? Why Has Ruby Left Coronation Street?
by Ushapriyanga | Updated Aug 12, 2023
Coronation Street
Coronation Street, a British television soap opera, was created by Granada Television and has been airing on ITV since December 9, 1960. The series is centered around a cobbled, terraced street in the fictional town of Weatherfield, inspired by inner-city Salford in England. Initially broadcast twice weekly, the show transitioned to air six times a week in 2017.
The concept for the show was conceived by scriptwriter Tony Warren, even though the founder of the station, Sidney Bernstein, initially rejected the idea. However, producer Harry Elton convinced Bernstein to produce 13 pilot episodes. Over time, Coronation Street has ingrained itself as a significant element of British culture.
The soap opera is currently produced by ITV Studios, the successor to Granada, at MediaCityUK, and is broadcast in all ITV regions, as well as internationally. Notably, in 2010, on its 50th anniversary, the series gained recognition from Guinness World Records as the world's longest-running television soap opera.
While initially rooted in the conventions of kitchen-sink realism, Coronation Street stands out for its portrayal of a down-to-earth, working-class community, blending in light-hearted humor and well-defined characters. The show maintains an average viewership of around five million per episode. A milestone in its history, the series marked its 10,000th episode on February 7, 2020, and subsequently celebrated its 60th anniversary later in the same year.
What Happened to Ruby in Coronation Street?
In the episode of Coronation Street that aired on August 11th, a new child star was introduced as the character Ruby Dobbs underwent a recast. The young Ruby takes part in a fresh storyline where she displays her talents during auditions for Little Big Shotz. However, her appearance has notably changed. The role of Ruby is now portrayed by Billie Naylor, taking over from Macy Alabi, who had played the character since her birth in 2012.
Macy Alabi left the show in June to focus on her studies as she prepares to start high school in September. This transition of younger characters being recast due to age progression is common in soap operas, and fans are expected to adjust to the new portrayal of Ruby over time. In this particular episode, Ruby excitedly watches her older sister Hope practice for the Little Big Shotz summer event, assuming she'll get the lead role.
Yet, a surprising twist occurs when Glenda Shuttleworth announces that Ruby has secured the lead instead. Ruby's triumph is met with mixed feelings from Hope, who realizes she'll have to take on the role of her younger sister's backup dancer.
The following week, Ruby and Hope play a significant part in the storyline's revelation that a new character, Cassie Plummer, is actually Tyrone Dobbs' long-lost mother. Ruby and Hope embrace the idea of having a new grandmother, but Tyrone grapples with the decision of including a recovering addict in their family's life.
Why Has Ruby Left Coronation Street?
Macy Alabi, who had portrayed the character of Ruby since her introduction in 2012, bid farewell to her role in Coronation Street, with her last appearance being in the episode aired at the conclusion of June.
It has come to light through information from Digital Spy that Macy's departure was motivated by her decision to prioritize her academic pursuits. As she prepares to commence high school in the upcoming September, Macy chose to step back from her acting commitments to fully focus on her studies. This marks a significant transition for the young actress as she embarks on a new chapter in her education.
Ruby in Coronation Street
Ruby born in 2012, Ruby Dobbs is the offspring of Tyrone Dobbs and the late Kirsty Soames in the storyline of Coronation Street. Tragically, Ruby's early life was marked by abuse from her mother Kirsty, who was subsequently imprisoned and later relocated abroad. As a result, full custody of Ruby was granted to her father Tyrone.
Finding a new family dynamic, Tyrone began residing with Fiz Stape, and Ruby came to recognize Fiz as her maternal figure, while Fiz's own daughter, Hope, became her sister.
Fast forward to the present year, 2023, and Ruby continues to reside at the residence on 9 Coronation Street, alongside Tyrone, Fiz, Hope, and her great-grandmother Evelyn Plummer. This setup forms the backdrop for the ongoing narrative developments involving Ruby and her relationships within the show.
Name
Ruby
Born
9th September 2012
Birthplace
Rovers Return Inn
Duration
2012 to present
No. of Appearances
341 (as of Episode 11019/20)
Played by
Grace Hanrahan (2012-2013)
Macy Alabi (2012-2023)
Billie Naylor (2023 to present)
Who is Ruby in Coronation Street?
Macy Alabi portrayed the character of Ruby from her birth in September 2012 up until June 2023. Additionally, Grace Hanrahan also took on the role between September 2012 and February 2013. Alabi's departure from the role was motivated by her commitment to her studies, prompting the need for a recasting. As a result, Billie Naylor assumed the character in August 2023.
Notably, Ruby's presence in the show was temporarily disrupted between May 2020 and April 2021. During this period, the COVID-19 pandemic led to restrictions affecting child actors, necessitating her absence from the programme. This hiatus was part of the broader adjustments that various television productions had to make in response to the pandemic's challenges.
What Happened to Ruby in Coronation Street-FAQs
Ruby Dobbs is a fictional character in the British television soap opera Coronation Street. She is the daughter of Tyrone Dobbs and the late Kirsty Soames.
Ruby was born on 9th September 2012.
Ruby was born in the Rovers Return Inn, a location within the Coronation Street storyline.
Ruby has been on the show since her birth in 2012 and continues to be a present character.
As of Episode 11019/20, Ruby has made 341 appearances on the show.
Ruby is the daughter of Tyrone Dobbs and Kirsty Soames. After experiencing early life abuse from her mother, she was given full custody to her father, Tyrone