I’ve got the life of Riley with fiancé and new puppy The Last Word
Louisa Lytton is best known for her role as EastEnders’ Ruby Allen. The star, 31, had to postpone her summer wedding due to Covid-19 rules. Luckily, she’s still been able to move into a new home with groom-to-be Ben Bhanvra – and they’rey ggettingg a new ppup… p
Do Doyouwatch you watch a lotoflotof TVTVatat home?
I do recently. We’ve just moved house and all I want to do is sit on our new sofa and watch TV, which isn’t normally like me. We’ve been watching Ratched on Netflix, which is so good. I’m not normally into eerie things, but it’s quite sci-fi, which I like.
Who’s in charge of the remote?
Ben. I’m so indecisive, it takes me half an hour to choose what to watch, so he normally picks. Apart from if I want to watch Emily In Paris, then he’s not interested at all. I love it, though – it’s such a feel-good show.
What else do you do in your downtime?
I love to read and at the moment I’m reading a puppy book because we’re getting a puppy. This is the first time I’ve ever lived in a house, so I’ve never had a dog before. But Ben was adamant t about getting one. We’ve picked a cockapoo and named him Riley.
What’s been your biggest pinch-me moment?
When I was on Strictly Come Dancing and I met Beyoncé. She was on the show performing and I managed to get backstage to meet her, then one of her entourage gave me tickets to go to the World Music Awards where she was performing. I was 17 and a huge Beyoncé fan, so that was a definite pinch-me moment. I think every girl should look up to her – she’s an amazing role model.
What advice would you give to this year’s Strictly stars?
Just to enjoy every minute. It’s an absolute whirlwind. I speak to Maisie Smith all the time. I said to her, ‘Just enjoy the highs, the lows and every criticism you get.’ It’s one of the best times of your life. I think Maisie has a definite chance of winning. She’s a talented dancer and she’s got a good partner in Gorka Márquez.
Who’s your funniest co-star on EastEnders?
James Bye [Martin Fowler]. Him and Davood Ghadami [Kush Kazemi] are like a double act. It’s been really fun working with them. I feel very lucky. EastEnders is on BBC1, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
‘Strictly is an absolute whirlwind. I think Maisie has a definite chance of winning this year’
Louise Lytton