Ruth Fowler

Name: Ruth Fowler
First Appeared: 28th July 1994
Last Appeared: 11th February 1999
Played by: Caroline Paterson

Ruth Fowler, hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, brought a blend of charm and drama to Albert Square. Coming from a strict Presbyterian family led by her minister father, Hugh Aitken, Ruth escaped to London with her friend Anna, seeking freedom from her father’s ideals. Tragedy struck when Anna contracted HIV, and Ruth met Mark Fowler at a hospice while visiting her. The two bonded over their shared experiences, especially as Mark himself was living with HIV, and their relationship blossomed amidst the heartache of Anna’s passing.

In 1995, Ruth and Mark got engaged, despite her family’s resistance to Mark’s HIV status. Her family reacted with ignorance and fear, refusing to let Mark stay in their home. Undeterred, Ruth and Mark tied the knot without her parents’ blessing. Their marriage, however, faced numerous challenges, especially when Ruth reconsidered her stance on having children. This led them to foster Jessie Moore, a troubled six-year-old whose mother was in prison. Ruth and Mark navigated the complexities of fostering, ultimately forming a bond with Jessie despite her initial reluctance.

Ruth’s life took another turn when she returned to Scotland in December 1997 to visit her ailing father, who had suffered a stroke. Upon her return after his death, she discovered Jessie might be returning to her mother, sparking arguments with Mark. Ruth grew closer to Mark’s cousin, Conor Flaherty, further straining her marriage. When Jessie went back to her mother, the tension between Ruth and Mark escalated. Ruth’s attempt to seduce Conor failed, leading to further discord. Mark, feeling betrayed, declared their marriage over.

Post-separation, Ruth embraced her newfound freedom, partying and clubbing, but her wild behaviour led to financial troubles. Pauline Fowler, hoping for reconciliation, gave her money, but Ruth’s affair with Conor complicated matters. Pregnant with Conor’s child, Ruth decided to be a single parent, rejecting both Mark and Conor. In February 1999, she returned to Scotland, leaving behind the drama of Walford.