Ruby Buckton

Ruby Buckton
Occupation	Fictional character
Years active	2008–2012
Known for	Home and Away

Ruby Buckton is a fictional persona featured in the Australian Channel Seven soap Home and Away, portrayed by actress Rebecca Breeds. She first appeared on-screen on 20 June 2008, created under the direction of executive producer Cameron Welsh. Ruby was introduced as a spirited and self-reliant young woman who concealed her inner struggles behind a resilient exterior. Her narrative arcs predominantly explore themes of romance, unreturned affection, and emotional rejection. A significant plot twist unveiled that Ruby’s sister Charlie Buckton was in fact her biological mother, profoundly impacting Ruby’s trust and altering the dynamics of their relationship.

Throughout the series, Ruby undergoes a path of self-exploration, often using her romantic connections to redefine her identity. Her friendship with Xavier Austin ended due to a lack of romantic spark, while her unrequited love for music instructor Liam Murphy resulted in emotional turmoil and episodes of excessive drinking. Breeds described this storyline as depicting Ruby as "headstrong and unconfined," marking a departure from her earlier romantic experiences.

Subsequently, Ruby develops romantic feelings for Romeo Smith and attempts to interfere with his relationship with Indigo Walker. Despite the real-life relationship between Breeds and Luke Mitchell (Romeo), the characters' involvement generated tension that led Ruby to engage in self-harm and enter into a rebound relationship with Casey Braxton. This further complicated her bond with Charlie, who found it challenging to provide parental support.

Other key storylines include Ruby managing her diabetes condition and uncovering a hidden singing ability. Breeds, trained in classical singing, modified her vocal style to authentically portray Ruby’s amateur performances. Critics have labeled Ruby as a "boyfriend-stealer," "self-absorbed," and a "randy school girl," although her arcs involving Liam received some favorable remarks. For this role, Breeds earned nominations for "Most Popular New Female Talent" and "Most Popular Actress" at the Logie Awards.

Characterisation

The official website of the series describes Ruby as carefree yet emotionally guarded. Arriving amid mourning her mother’s death, she internalizes her grief by projecting a tough exterior. Independent by nature, she tends to disregard others’ opinions and prefers solitude. Her primary aim is to find joy through simple pleasures and meaningful relationships.

Actress Rebecca Breeds portrayed Ruby as having developed commendable independence through adversity. She is free-spirited, confident, cheeky, easygoing, and deeply devoted to family.<ref> Breeds also highlighted Ruby’s determination when underestimated because of her youth.

Ruby can exhibit confrontational and abrasive behavior, often oblivious to potential consequences. Breeds characterized her as idealistic with high personal standards but prone to impulsive outspokenness. She acknowledged that Ruby’s occasional irrational actions reflect youthful immaturity.

Relationships

Ruby’s connection with Xavier Austin (David Jones-Roberts) begins turbulently, with Xavier initially treating her poorly. Despite heartbreak, Ruby pursues him motivated by challenge and his enigmatic loyalty, according to Breeds. Their relationship evolves into a strong friendship rather than romantic passion, eventually dissolving as they grow apart.

Later, Ruby develops romantic interest in Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell). Breeds described this role as effortless but complicated by Romeo’s existing girlfriend. Both Breeds and Mitchell expressed hesitation about portraying an on-screen romance due to their off-screen relationship. Unlike her pursuit of Xavier, Ruby shows restraint regarding Romeo’s close friend Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best).

Mitchell noted that Romeo and Indigo Walker (Samara Weaving) would gradually drift apart amid the ensuing love triangle. Executive producer Cameron Welsh emphasized the storyline’s importance for 2011, praising strong performances from Mitchell, Breeds, and Weaving. Breeds explained that Ruby’s swift attachment arises from insecurity and a desire for belonging due to her fragmented family history. After Romeo’s infidelity with Ruby, he immediately regrets his actions, prompting Ruby to confess to Indigo, which destroys their friendship.

Following her breakup with Romeo, Ruby briefly flirts with Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes). When she learns Romeo has reconciled with his girlfriend, Ruby sleeps with Casey, who then reveals details of her affair with Romeo.

Maternal issues

A pivotal plot twist reveals that Ruby's sister, Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson), is in fact her biological mother. The storyline centers on Ruby confronting Charlie, who eventually breaks down and confesses the truth. Both Breeds and Anderson found this narrative emotionally demanding, feeling a strong obligation to deliver the story and its emotional nuances with precision. Breeds mentioned drawing from her own feelings to create a powerful impact on the audience and expressed satisfaction with the final portrayal.

This disclosure causes significant tension between the two characters. According to the actresses, Ruby seeks stability amid the upheaval, while Charlie endeavors to repair their fractured relationship. The revelation profoundly affects Ruby’s sense of identity, leaving her uncertain about her origins and place in the world. Breeds described this as an extensive "exploration" and "journey" for Ruby, with Anderson adding that despite the tragic circumstances, viewers empathize with both women and hope for their eventual reconciliation.

Subsequently, Charlie becomes uneasy about Ruby’s involvement with Casey. Anderson explained that Charlie’s apprehension arises from a desire to shield Ruby—who is vulnerable following her breakup with Romeo—from rushing into new relationships. Meanwhile, Casey’s brother Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke) unexpectedly offers Ruby parenting advice, providing fresh insight. Anderson pointed out that although Ruby initially resists Darryl’s counsel, it ultimately resonates with her.

School girl crushes

During her school years, Ruby develops romantic feelings toward two teachers. Her first infatuation is with Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), which Breeds described as an authentic adolescent crush fueled more by his maturity than physical attraction. Miles is caught off guard when Ruby kisses him, leading to an investigation by the school board.

Later on, Ruby forms a close connection with her music instructor Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead), evolving into a complicated romantic arc that explores sensitive boundaries. Ruby experiences a "different kind of love," discovering new depths of creativity and passion through music. Their relationship is characterized by intense emotional and artistic chemistry, with Ruby initially oblivious to the problematic teacher-student dynamic due to her headstrong nature. Despite understanding the controversy, she chooses to follow her feelings.

Breeds highlighted the unique dynamic of having a creative muse like Liam and how their relationship transcends typical student-teacher roles. However, Liam eventually develops romantic interest in another character, Bianca Scott (Lisa Gormley), prompting Ruby to realize she must express her feelings before it’s too late. Her impulsive confession reflects her genuine and spontaneous character.

Liam maintains professional limits because of his career commitments and warns Ruby their relationship cannot continue if her emotions become overwhelming. Breeds acknowledged that Liam is not suitable for Ruby given their age gap and situation, suggesting their connection might only work "in another lifetime." After being rejected, Ruby copes by turning to alcohol.

Beyond romance, Ruby is portrayed as an aspiring vocalist. Breeds, who has classical training herself, enjoyed performing musical scenes and felt more confident singing as Ruby despite the character’s initial nervousness. She modified her natural voice to sound less polished in order to authentically represent Ruby’s early stage of vocal development, portraying a believable progression in discovering her singing talent.

Exit

In June 2012, TV Week revealed that Breeds had completed filming her final scenes and departed from Home and Away. Due to contractual restrictions, Breeds was unable to elaborate on her exit but assured that "Ruby remains very much alive." Two months later, the Daily Star reported that Ruby would be leaving Summer Bay following a poignant visit to her mother’s gravesite, where she recognized the need for a new beginning. A representative confirmed that Ruby’s departure was motivated by her desire to move beyond past hardships. Ultimately, Ruby confesses to sabotaging a car’s brakes, which led to Dexter Walker sustaining serious injuries. Filled with remorse, she turns herself in after bidding farewell to Darryl Braxton. Breeds expressed gratitude towards fans on Twitter and conveyed relief at closing this chapter.

Plotlines

Ruby arrives in Summer Bay after losing her grandmother and faces early romantic difficulties, including ending things with Pat Jenkins and navigating complex emotions for Miles. She grapples with her father Ross Buckton’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and becomes involved in a dispute with fellow student Matthew Lyons. Ruby has a brief relationship with Xavier, whose struggles with drugs and ex-girlfriend Freya cause friction before they reconcile.

Initially resistant, Ruby eventually embraces her sister Charlie’s relationship with Joey Collins. A significant plot twist reveals Ruby is actually Charlie’s daughter, conceived through rape by Grant Bledcoe; she was raised by Charlie’s parents. Following Grant’s death—initially suspected to involve Ruby and Charlie—Ross admits to the killing.

Ruby develops romantic feelings for Geoff Campbell; their relationship ends after Geoff forgets they had broken up. After being diagnosed with diabetes, Ruby organizes a protest against refugee deportations that is targeted by arsonists, prompting Geoff to leave town. She briefly reunites with Xavier before forming a close connection with music teacher Liam; despite her attraction, Liam maintains professional distance.

Exploring her sexuality, Ruby shares a kiss with Casey but later pursues Romeo. After Charlie dies, Ruby blames Darryl Braxton and ends things with Casey. She starts dating Romeo and moves in with him; however, when she falsely claims pregnancy to keep him close, Romeo leaves upon discovering the truth. Jealous of Romeo's attempts to reconcile with Indi, Ruby tampers with Indi's car brakes; Dexter Walker crashes and suffers severe injuries. Consumed by guilt, Ruby surrenders to authorities.

Critical Response

Breeds earned a Logie Award nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 51st Logie Awards for portraying Ruby. She received another nomination for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010 and expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment. At the 2012 Inside Soap Awards, Breeds was shortlisted for "Best Daytime Star". Holy Soap spotlighted Ruby's memorable moments including a Skype prank and revenge skinny-dipping.

Carolyn Stewart of TV Week criticized the realism of Ruby and Nicole’s friendship due to Ruby pursuing Nicole’s former partners and disapproved of Bianca's interference in Ruby and Liam’s storyline. Stewart also observed Ruby’s sudden turn to heavy drinking and makeup as indicators of her character's turmoil, describing the plotline as a warning against falling for a teacher. She called Ruby’s infatuation with Liam awkward but later commended the storyline's progression. Catrin Griffiths from the Daily Express credited story arcs like Ruby's binge drinking for revitalizing the show in the UK market.

The Daily Record recognized the dramatic influence of the Buckton family, particularly highlighting Ruby and Charlie. All About Soap questioned whether Ruby would find a suitable partner despite numerous available "surfer types." Holy Soap noted that Ruby seemed to have inherited questionable romantic choices from Charlie. When showcasing her singing abilities, the Daily Record described this as a refreshing narrative development. They also highlighted an eventful week when Ruby slept with Romeo, describing her as being on "cloud nine." Adelaide’s Sunday Mail labeled Ruby a "low-down boyfriend-stealer" due to her affair with Romeo, while TV Week anticipated chaotic consequences from this impulsive relationship and expressed little sympathy when Ruby lost friends over it.

Peter Dyke of the Daily Star referred to Ruby as a "randy schoolgirl" and characterized her romance with Casey as a "passionate rebound romp." Erin Miller from TV Week commented on how challenging it was to keep pace with Ruby’s numerous romantic involvements. By April 2011, TV Week observed that Ruby had become increasingly troublesome, leaving her mother Charlie overwhelmed by how to manage her rebellious daughter.

External links

• Character overview on the Official AU Home and Away site
• Character overview on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Character overview on the Official IE Home and Away portal
• Character overview at Holy Soap
• Character overview on the Internet Movie Database