Louisa Lytton has admitted it is "a very strange time" being pregnant and playing out an endometriosis storyline.
Louisa Lytton as Ruby
The 'EastEnders' actress announced last week that she and her fiance Ben Bhanvra are expecting their first child together, and now it's been revealed her character Ruby Allen will find out on Thursday's episode (25.03.21) that she has endometriosis, a chronic and often deliberating condition that can impact a person’s life in numerous ways including pelvic pain, painful irregular periods, bowel and bladder related problems, painful sex, depression and infertility.
But Louisa didn't want the "really important" plot to be delayed because of her real-life pregnancy.
She said: "It was definitely a strange time. I found out I was pregnant and then knew what I was going back to work to film.
"I was more stressed than I would've been, just because naturally it was at the forefront of my mind, because that was the story that was playing out.
"I told the bosses quite early on, because I just said, 'This endometriosis storyline is really important to me, and I really want it to continue to play out. I don't want it to be put on hold because of my situation.'
"For the next few months we delve into endometriosis, what it's like to have it, and what problems it can cause.
"It's a very strange time for me. You can only imagine.
"But it's the job."
Louisa confirmed in January she and Ben had postponed their wedding for a second time due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, and the star has admitted they started trying for a baby after putting their nuptials back.
Speaking to 'Loose Women', she explained: "I said to Ben, 'Let's start trying because it doesn't look like the wedding is happening.
"Then we fell pregnant and then officially our wedding could go ahead but it's too late now."
On 'EastEnders', Ruby recently suffered a miscarriage, and she will undergo further testing in tomorrow night's episode when it is suggested by her gynaecologist that she has endometriosis.
'EastEnders' have teamed up with Endometriosis UK to work on the plot, which will see Ruby and her husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) learn to live with the condition. Faye Farthing, Communications and Campaigns Manager for Endometriosis UK, said: "It’s a huge step forward to see 'EastEnders' tackle endometriosis head on, a UK soap first that will no doubt help end the stigmas associated with the condition.
"We’re delighted to have been working closely with 'EastEnders' on this story, and hope it will go a long way in removing the taboos and help anyone experiencing symptoms feel empowered to seek help - as latest statistics show 62 per cent of women aged 16-24 have never heard of endometriosis and 80 per cent would put off going to the doctor with symptoms."
Endometriosis is a widely undiagnosed condition and affects 1.5 million women in the UK or one in 10 women from puberty to menopause, although the impact can be felt for life.
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