The new additions to the cast have once again seen Bridgerton praised for the diversity of its actors as the show imagines 19th-century Britain with. ‘I would like the industry to progress when it comes to castings,’ Ruby says of showbiz in general. ‘I think there needs to be some sort of body or advisory board that focuses on challenging our perceptions of who can play what and why.
‘Give people the opportunity to actually demonstrate their talent and do justice to a role and, ultimately, be able to channel the truth of a character. Their background and colour or sexuality – or even personality – just have nothing to do with it. I want people to be seen as a human soul and forget about all of the politics.’
Authentic inclusivity is important to Ruby and led her to take on a role as an ambassador for Mullerlight thanks to the brand’s values. ‘Muller is and has always been very diverse with the strong empowering women, athletes and musicians they’ve had support them,’ she says of her latest project. ‘I’m the voice of the new Mullerlight commercials and they’ve got the wholeRuby Barker is the new Müllerlight ambassador.
Comparing the two roles, Ruby reflects: ‘They’re worlds apart but they do have similarities. Yakira is more neurotic. Marina is trying to survive—she’s a little bit messier and they’re both very focused. But the most important thing for me when I’m looking at a character is: who is this person? Why should I tell that story? Can I do it justice? Am I really seeing them? Am I going to be able to show up and be my best self? That’s all that I care about.
When asked if she worries about typecasting after her success in Bridgerton, Ruby admits she definitely has concerns but doesn’t describe them as a ‘priority worry’. And while she clearly shines in period dramas, Ruby is veritably excited by the prospect of action-based roles for the future: ‘I would love to do a crime drama or be some sort of superhero,’ she says. ‘Ruby Barker is the new Müllerlight ambassador.