Louisa Lytton’s time in EastEnders comes to an end next week, as Ruby Allen decides to leave Walford for a clean break.

The actress, 35, reprised her part in November for what was then described as an ‘extended stint’ to coincide with the upcoming 40th Anniversary celebrations.

Rumours of her imminent exit began shortly after her Albert Square return, when it was confirmed that she would take on the role of Rachel Watson in a production of A Girl on the Train.

The show follows a woman who awaits her daily train journeys so she can get a glimpse of the ‘perfect’ through the window.

When everything suddenly disappears, she is a witness and suspect in a mystery and has to face up to the consequences.

Speaking about her return to EastEnders, Louisa told Metro at the time: ‘I’ve been a part of this show for 20 years now, so it feels right for Ruby to come back,’

‘I feel like there’s so much we need to wrap up with her. There’s so many characters that she has a history with.’

In the last five months we’ve seen her reunite with Martin Fowler (James Bye), and introduce him to their son Roman.

She then championed a campaign to save the Turpin Road market, and formed a fresh feud with old bestie Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) as they both fought for Martin’s affection.

More recently, she’s been overcome with grief following Martin’s death in a horrific explosion that ripped through The Queen Vic. He was desperately trying to save Stacey, but was crushed by a falling beam.

In the moments prior to his death, he confessed that he still held a card for Stacey and that his love for Ruby was somewhat superficial, as he was worried about losing shared custody of Roman.

In upcoming scenes, tensions are running high ahead of his funeral as Ruby questions why Stacey has fled the area.

Stacey’s family are dismayed when she arrives home drunk, and has to be sobered up by Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy).

Her teenage daughter Lily (Lillia Turner) is furious that her mum abandoned her in a moment of need, and as the week goes on, their relationship becomes more and more fractured – with Lily hitting the bottle.

At the wake, Ruby’s anger towards Stacey intensifies, and their emotions soon become too much to contain.

An explosive altercation ensues at the allotment, with home truths being spilled left, right and centre.

If the day wasn’t traumatic enough, Stacey is horrified to find Martin’s fruit and veg stall ablaze. Whilst Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) assures her that his team are doing their best to track down the culprit, she feels like she has enough evidence to point the finger.

Ruby decides that the atmosphere in Walford has become intolerable, and a fresh start is required for her and Roman.

After much deliberation, and a tough conversation with mum Jean (Gillian Wright), Stacey decides to track her down and clear the air. Unfortunately, Zack Hudson (James Farrar) informs her that Ruby has already left.