For long-time Home and Away fans, few characters have left as lasting an impression as Ruby Buckton. Played with emotional depth and youthful charm by Rebecca Breeds from 2008 to 2012,

Ruby’s storyline captivated audiences with her turbulent relationships, personal struggles, and the heartbreaking tragedies that defined her time in Summer Bay.

But now, more than a decade later, Breeds has revealed that there was once a plan to bring Ruby back — a tantalizing “what if” moment that could have rewritten her legacy.

And while the storyline never materialized, Breeds’ candid reflections show just how much Ruby still matters — both to her and to the millions of fans who still remember her as one of the most complex figures in Home and Away history.

The Almost-Return That Never Happened

Speaking to Australian outlet Chatter, Rebecca Breeds confessed that discussions had once taken place about reviving Ruby for a fresh arc years after her departure. According to the actress, a storyline had been sketched out that would have seen Ruby return during the iconic River Boys era, one of the most popular and dramatic chapters of the soap’s long run.

“There was an opportunity years ago,” Breeds revealed. “There was a storyline where the River Boys went to England and they wanted Ruby involved. I was working on another project in the U.S. at the time, and I couldn’t make it happen.”

The project in question was We Are Men, an American comedy series that marked one of Breeds’ first big breaks after leaving Australia. Though the show was short-lived, it represented a turning point in her career, leading to her acclaimed roles in Pretty Little Liars, The Originals, and later Legacies. For Breeds, the timing simply didn’t align.

“I just couldn’t do it,” she admitted. “It was a missed opportunity, but one of those moments where life takes you in a different direction.”

Ruby’s Tumultuous Exit

Ruby Buckton’s exit in 2012 was anything but clean. Once portrayed as a vibrant, hopeful teenager, her character spiraled into darkness following the death of her mother, Charlie Buckton, played by Esther Anderson. Struggling with grief, Ruby turned to alcohol and destructive behavior, alienating those around her and eventually leaving the Bay under a cloud of sadness and broken trust.

For Breeds, playing Ruby’s descent was both artistically rewarding and personally draining.

“She lost her mom, right? And then she turned to alcohol,” Breeds recalled. “I almost had a mental breakdown because every time I got a script, I’d think, ‘What do you mean it’s worse? What do you mean?’ It was heartbreaking.”

Fans at the time were equally torn — some frustrated by Ruby’s self-destructive decisions, others deeply empathetic to the young woman who never seemed to catch a break. For Breeds, though, the ending felt unfair.

“She got a really hard rap at the end there,” she said. “She was smooshed into the ground. It was unfair. I say justice for Ruby.”

What Could Have Been: Breeds’ Vision for Ruby’s Future

Despite the missed comeback and the character’s tragic exit, Breeds has spent years imagining what Ruby’s life could look like if she were ever given the chance to return to Home and Away.

“My hope would be that Ruby turned it around and became a child psychologist who helps girls,” she explained.

Her reasoning is rooted in the very DNA of Home and Away. The soap has always been about redemption, second chances, and the healing power of community. From foster families to lost teenagers who find hope in Summer Bay, the show thrives on transformation. For Ruby to return as someone who not only overcame her trauma but now dedicates her life to helping others would be the perfect full-circle moment.

“The show was based around wayward kids who found their way to Summer Bay and were fostered and cared for by the community,” Breeds said. “And I think that’s kind of what Ruby would do — help others find their way.”

Life Beyond Summer Bay

After leaving Home and Away, Rebecca Breeds became one of the soap’s most successful exports. Her American career took off with a recurring role in Pretty Little Liars, before she landed a leading role as Aurora de Martel in The Originals and later reprised the character in Legacies. Most notably, she starred as FBI agent Clarice Starling in Clarice, the Silence of the Lambs spinoff.

But while Hollywood opened doors, Breeds has never stopped calling Australia home. Now living in Chicago with her husband Luke Mitchell — himself a Home and Away alum who played Romeo Smith — the actress insists her heart remains firmly tied to her roots.

“It’s a big wide world with lots of exciting adventures and jobs, but we love home and I can’t wait to be back,” she said. “I would love to work in Sydney again. So, you know, watch this space.”

Her words are music to the ears of Home and Away fans who still hold out hope for her return.

The Power of Nostalgia in Home and Away

One of the enduring strengths of Home and Away is its ability to bring back beloved characters, weaving nostalgia into fresh storylines that captivate both new and old viewers. In recent years, several comebacks have reignited long-standing fan investment, proving that no character is ever truly gone.

For Ruby Buckton, the demand has always been there. Social media threads and fan forums frequently revisit her story, often lamenting the way she was written out. Many believe her arc was left unfinished, and Breeds’ own words about “justice for Ruby” only fuel the fire.

Could Ruby’s return finally give her the redemption she deserves?

A Glimmer of Hope

While no official talks have been confirmed, Rebecca Breeds has made it clear she would welcome the opportunity. “Hell yeah,” she laughed when asked if she’d come back. “I love that show. I never say never about things. It’s just a matter of timing and place.”

For Home and Away loyalists, that “never say never” is the phrase that keeps hope alive. In a series known for shocking twists, surprise arrivals, and emotional farewells, the door is never fully closed. And with Ruby’s story left open-ended, there’s no reason her return couldn’t someday become reality.

Justice for Ruby: Why It Matters

At its core, Breeds’ passion for Ruby isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about storytelling justice. Too often in soaps, characters fall victim to rushed exits or unresolved arcs. By revisiting Ruby, Home and Away would have the chance to honor her journey, show growth, and give audiences closure.

“I want to vindicate Ruby,” Breeds said passionately. “She deserves that.”

And maybe, just maybe, the fans deserve it too.

Final Thoughts

Rebecca Breeds’ revelation about Ruby Buckton’s almost-return is more than just behind-the-scenes trivia. It’s a reminder of how deeply characters like Ruby resonate with viewers long after they leave the screen. For Breeds, Ruby is unfinished business — a role that shaped her early career and continues to tug at her heart.

As Home and Away marches on with new storylines and fresh faces, the possibility of Ruby’s return lingers in the air. Could justice for Ruby finally be written? Could Summer Bay once again welcome her home?

For now, fans will have to wait. But one thing is certain: Rebecca Breeds isn’t ruling it out. And in the unpredictable world of soap operas, that’s all the hope we need.