Actress and comedian Ruby Wax has returned to screens with a new Channel 5 series that sees her take on the ultimate survival experience. Two-parter, Ruby Wax: Cast Away has been described as an “epic study of solitude and mental fortitude” and in the first episode, viewers watched on as the 70-year-old, who was born in the United States, adjusted to life on a desert island in Madagascar.
Ruby was inspired to make Cast Away by good friend Joanna Lumley, who embarked on a similar adventure in 1994. At the time Joanna famously turned her bra into shoes to cope with the island's treacherous terrain.
Ruby cited her struggles with mental health as another reason for taking on the challenge. “Mental health people are survivors because we know what it's like to be alone,” she said at one point during the first episode.
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Ruby’s new show was widely praised on social media. One person commented: “Cast Away - brilliant first episode and so much respect @Rubywax for doing this - even more so getting through the night and those thunderstorms!”
A second said: “My favourite person ever!! This first episode didn’t disappoint. Loved it!!!!” praising Ruby. And a third wrote: “@Rubywax wow, what a gutsy lady….articulate and enthralling.”
Meanwhile, a further person commented: “I’m in awe of [Ruby]! Not only an advocacy [sic] for women’s mental health but wow that is one hell of an adventure xx” And someone else wrote: “Ruby is some woman. There's no way in this world I could be left alone on a desert island for 10 days. Well done so far Ruby.”
Catch the next episode of Ruby Wax: Cast Away on Channel 5 on Sunday, April 30 at 9pm. For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter here.
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