Ruth, 51.

Nurse in the geriatric  unit of a hospital.

Always on a diet, never loses any weight.

Currently separated from her husband, who is still having an affair.

Has two daughters: Amy, 30 and Lauren, 27. Lauren is a vegan, takes recreational drugs and wants to move abroad. Amy has 2 children and lives in the flat above Ruth.

Ruth has a kind heart, but her sentiments are frequently misplaced. She wants to reunite her marriage, but is enjoying the semi-freedom that a separation offers.

She has no sense of adventure; she can’t see that she needs a change in her life.

She listens, even if she doesn’t always understand.

She always wants to help, even though she invariably can’t.