On the 17th of September, Sex Education returns for its hotly anticipated third season. After a frustrating cliff-hanger ending to season two, we’ll finally get to see what becomes of Otis Milburn’s (played by Asa Butterfield) unheard love confession to Maeve Wiley (played by Emma Mackey).
But the romance Sex Education fans are begging for is far from the long-teased situationship of Otis and Maeve. Oh no, viewers are actually holding out for Otis to end up with Ruby Matthews. If you’ll remember, Ruby (played by Mimi Keene) was the first woman Otis had sex with after a drunken one-night stand in season two. The resulting storyline around getting the morning after pill, and the softer side it showed to resident mean girl Ruby, made its mark on fans.
In fact, according to Google Trends, the top searches around Ruby Matthews on Sex Education are all to do with Otis. ‘Did Otis and Ruby have sex?’ is the main question asked, followed by ‘Does Ruby like Otis?’ and ‘Who did Otis lose his virginity to?’. While Ruby and Otis did have sex, Ruby never explicitly confesses having feelings for Otis – but that doesn’t mean we didn’t see an adorable bond grow between the pair.
According to reports, Ruby is set to take centre stage on season three of Sex Education. In an interview with Glamour, actor Mimi Keene explains that this coming series will focus on her difficult family life and a surprising new relationship.
‘Ruby’s quite different this season,’ Mimi explained. ‘There's a lot more of a deep dive into her character. It's not just the hard, mean exterior that we've seen from her up until now. I think in the last season we saw a little glimpse of another side to her and this season really looks into that, focusing on other aspects of her life, like her home.’
Without revealing any spoilers, Mimi also admitted that her new romance for season three will cause a ‘split reaction’.
‘I know it’s a bit weird to bring this relationship in because their dynamic has been something else up until now, so I don’t know,’ she said. ‘I think the reaction will be split. Some people will like it but we’ll have to see. I think it’s funny, there are a lot of moments that are funny between them and good to watch. I think people will be surprised because it’s another part of Ruby’s character development.’
Very ominous, Mimi.
Of course, her words have only fuelled speculation she could date Otis – but perhaps that wouldn’t be the most surprising twist given their history? Either way, fans are excited to explore a deeper side to the superficial, often brutal, character we’ve only known Ruby as so far.
Who plays Ruby Matthews in Sex Education?
Mimi is too, confessing that she can’t relate to Ruby’s ‘meanness’ and is excited for viewers to see a deeper side to her. The 22-year-old actor was previously known for her role as Cindy Williams in EastEnders, having made her career debut as a child actor on stage in theatres.
In 2013, she appeared in CBBC’s Sadie J and Our Girl, going on to become a regular feature in the nations favourite soap until 2015. Since then, she’s worked on Casualty, a short film called The Escape and done voice over work for video game Castlevania: Lord of Shadows.
Training at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, it seems we’re set to see a lot more of Mimi on our screens in future – and we can’t wait.
Click through for some interiors inspiration from Netflix's Sex Education...
All The Interior Inspiration From Netflix's Sex Education
1 of 8The Wallpaper
With at least four different floral prints happening on her ground floor alone, Jean's house is confirmation that wallpaper is back, and it's evolved beyond palm print. We're talking dark, brooding, Victorian florals, layered up with contrasting prints for an effect as trippy as it is traditional. I'm not ashamed to say I've ordered the exact William Morris 'Blackthorn' paper Jean has in her kitchen, and frankly I think it's very generous of me to share the link here.Morris & Co Blackthorn wallpaper (£58.80 per 10m roll, Fashion Interiors)Morris & Co Golden Lily wallpaper (£76 per 10m roll, Style Library)
2 of 8The Lighting
3 of 8The Soft Furnishings
This kind of sensual, maximalist aesthetic needs layers of touchable textiles – even things you wouldn't look twice at on their own, like a tapestry cushion, suddenly look chic piled up with other prints and fabrics.Eastlake cushion cover (£10.99, Wayfair)Mustard tassel cushion (£35, Rockett St George)Spacedye rug (£55, Urban Outfitters)
4 of 8The Storage Solution
There are many things Sex Education has got us googling, but the main one is 'mid century teak'. Warm, orange-hued wood beloved in the 50s and 60s, teak went out of style for decades while our parents lost their shit over knotted pine, but it looks completely cool again now – especially topped with plants and junk shop knick-knacks, a la Jean.You could fork out nearly a grand for a new sideboard like this from Tikamoon, but the sensible choice is obviously vintage. Look for designs by G Plan and Lebus, very much the Made.com of their day. Vinterior has some of the best for as little as £300.Mid century teak sideboard (£335 + delivery, Vinterior.co)
5 of 8The Armchair
We might not ever have a wood-panelled study or a PhD in shagging, but we can at least sit down like we mean business. A squashy leather swivel chair will do the job nicely. I'll spare you a remark about wipe-clean surfaces.Tan swivel lounge chair (£749, Cult Furniture)
6 of 8The Rattan
Rattan, wicker, bamboo, whatever. As long as it's beige and woody, it's in. Of course, beachy hippie homewares have been having a moment for a while now, but Jean's bar stools and twirly shelving units aren't doing anything to curb the craving.Rattan beach bar stool (£130.99, Houzz)Vintage wicker and bamboo corner shelf (£20, Etsy)Bamboo plant stand (£30, Etsy)
7 of 8The Greenery
8 of 8The Knick-Knacks
From those heavy brown soup bowls found in every charity shop ever, to shelves crammed with miscellaneous trinkets, Jean's junky clutter is probably the easiest part of all this to copy. Especially if it's erotic junky clutter. I can't tell you where to get her phallic door knocker, more's the pity, but I'm pretty sure she'd approve of artist Emma Low's custom-made boob ceramics.Tit pot, made to order, Pot Yer Tits Away Luvhttps://potyertitsawayluv.tictail.com