Ruby Wax, the brash, no-nonsense I’m A Celebrity star, has spoken out against the recent calls for Britain to “toughen up” in the wake of the government’s warning about a “lost generation” relying on benefits due to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. 🧠
The outspoken comedian and mental health advocate, 72, has long been candid about her own struggles with bipolar disorder, a condition she was diagnosed with in 1993 when she was 40 and pregnant with her third child. Since then, Ruby has made it her mission to shed light on mental health issues and offer support to others who are struggling.
In an interview with The Times, Ruby firmly rejected the idea that Britain needs to adopt a harsher approach toward those dealing with mental health issues. She was responding to Alan Milburn’s warning that the country could face a generation of people unable to work due to conditions like depression and anxiety.
Ruby didn’t mince words, saying: “No, you can’t fake bipolar any more than you can fake cancer.” She went on to explain that these are legitimate mental health conditions that deserve understanding and proper care, not to be dismissed as signs of weakness or a lack of resilience. She emphasized the importance of offering proper mental health support, especially when it comes to access to psychiatrists for thorough assessments.
“If the government can’t provide enough psychiatrists to properly test for depression and anxiety, whose fault is that?” Ruby asked. “I think this country gets it about right. The cruelty of America is not something to aspire to.” 🇬🇧💬
Ruby’s comments come after the government’s work tsar, Alan Milburn, warned that a “lost generation” is being signed off work due to “normal” mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Many have voiced concerns about the rising number of people unable to work because of these conditions, but Ruby has made it clear that the solution is not to toughen up the nation but to provide better support systems and care for those in need.
While Ruby’s words carry weight, her response comes with the signature brashness she’s known for. Fans of Ruby are used to her raw, hilarious, and blunt style, which she also brings to her upcoming live show. As she gears up for a new tour with her longtime friend and A-list producer Clive Tulloh, Ruby promises to give audiences an unfiltered experience as they revisit some of the most extraordinary shows they’ve worked on together.
Ruby has kept fans on their toes with her trademark wit and energy—whether it’s sharing scandalous stories from her career, offering insights into her life, or, as in this case, taking on major societal issues head-on.
The tour will kick off in Henley-on-Thames on March 25, and the Spring leg will wrap up in Bristol on July 7. Ruby’s fans can expect a mix of stories, behind-the-scenes clips, and a provocative take on the entertainment industry.
Ruby’s Personal Life & Marriage 💍
Along with her career on stage, Ruby’s personal life has often made headlines. She’s been married to her husband, Edward Richard Morrison Bye, for 33 years. Their relationship is famously “unconventional,” with Ruby attributing much of its success to the time they spend apart. According to Ruby, having space is key to maintaining a healthy relationship, and she’s not shy about saying that they have separate lives that work well for them.
Ruby has credited the success of their marriage to the fact that they aren’t always “on top of each other.” She’s also praised the importance of allowing each other to have personal space, something that Ruby finds essential for a strong partnership.
In 1988, Ruby married Ed, a quietly spoken British man with a public school education, and together they have three children: Max (37), Madeleine (35), and Marina (32). Ruby’s refreshing and often irreverent approach to relationships and life has made her a beloved figure—whether she’s entertaining audiences or challenging societal norms.
Ruby Wax: A Force for Mental Health Advocacy 💪
Ruby Wax has proven time and time again that she’s not afraid to speak up for what she believes in. Her candidness about mental health, her experiences with bipolar disorder, and her willingness to challenge societal expectations have made her one of the most respected voices in the mental health advocacy space.
With her bold new tour on the horizon and her commitment to changing the conversation around mental health, Ruby continues to be a force to be reckoned with. “Toughening up” isn’t the answer—it’s about getting the right support and resources in place for those who need it the most.
