Louisa Lytton doesn't think she will be "in a rush" to return to 'EastEnders'.
Louisa Lytton as Ruby
The 32-year-old actress - who plays Ruby Allen in the BBC One soap - is due to give birth to her first child in September, but when the little one enters the world she cannot imagine wanting to hurry back to Albert Square.
She said: "I’m at home being a mum. I’m doing the thing I’ve wanted the most in life, so I don’t think I’ll be in a rush to go back to work."
Louisa revealed earlier this week she has finished filming on the soap to go on maternity leave, and the star has confirmed the current plan is for her to have a year away from Walford as she focuses on being a mum - but she could still return before that.
Speaking to the 'Made By Mammas' podcast, she added: "But then, at the same time, I don’t know because that is who I am.
"So will I have that moment of, ‘I need a bit more of myself back again’?
"I’m gonna stay home, give it a year, I think, of me not working.
"But if I decide to go back before or after, we’ll work it out from there."
Earlier this month, Louisa thanked her mum Jane after she organised her a "special" baby shower.
She wrote on Instagram: "My mum, she created the most special day, thank you for all that you do for me, but especially this [heart emoji] I am so proud of you (sic)"
As well as being treated to a giant cake and several balloons, Louisa's childhood pals serenaded her in what was an emotional moment.
She wrote on her Instagram Stories: "I'll never forget this.
"My childhood best friends singing for me and my baby..
"Hearing them sing together makes me prouder than they will ever know (sic)"
Louisa - who is expecting her first child with her fiance Ben Bhanvra - had a surprise baby shower in June, but the star admitted afterwards she wished she didn't feel "so nervous" about the occasion.
She said at the time: "Still not over this day. I was so nervous about a 'baby shower' the thought was very overwhelming. Celebrating before it's arrived, I said no to presents too. I just wanted to 'see my friends' instead. Well I wish I never built it up so much it was just perfect all my girls made the most effort to come and remind me just how lucky bump and I are to have them. Mums throwing me a baby shower in July with 30 family and friends this time I'm going for it (sic)"
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