The Unseen Rivalry Between Ruby Wax and Louis Theroux
Ruby Wax, a name synonymous with wit and humor in the British entertainment scene, has recently found herself back in the spotlight as she joins the cast of I’m A Celebrity. However, her return to the public eye has reignited discussions about her long-standing tension with another media icon, Louis Theroux. The two have shared a complex relationship marked by professional rivalry and personal resentment.
A Career Built on Wit and Recognition
Ruby Wax rose to fame in the 1990s through her BBC show When Ruby Wax Met, where she interviewed high-profile figures such as OJ Simpson and Donald Trump. Her sharp wit and engaging personality made her a standout figure in the world of television. Over the years, however, she has spoken openly about her frustrations with Louis Theroux, whom she believes has mimicked her unique interviewing style.
Ruby has often mentioned that their similar career paths have led to her being overlooked in favor of Louis. This perceived competition has caused her to feel overshadowed, leading to a deep sense of jealousy and resentment. In multiple interviews, she has reflected on these feelings, highlighting how their shared trajectory has affected her confidence and career choices.
The Tension Escalates
During a 2019 interview on the Adam Buxton podcast, Ruby was asked about the tension between her and Louis. She responded with a mix of frustration and resignation, stating, “I knew you were going to say that. Can we not discuss it? Everything we did, he took. I’ve moved on. I have a new career but if you say that word [Louis] to me, I’ll vomit.”
Her comments revealed a lingering anger that had not fully subsided. In response, Louis Theroux addressed the issue during the Edinburgh TV Festival, expressing that while he felt bad for Ruby, he also felt a bit flattered by her annoyance. He acknowledged that being resented could be seen as a compliment, though he emphasized his respect for her work.
Clarifying the Situation
In 2020, Ruby appeared on Louis’ BBC Grounded With podcast, where she clarified her earlier comments. She explained that she had caught up on his work that very morning before the recording. “It’s not you, it’s what you brought up which is jealousy, envy, my failure, my dad’s disapproval… It’s my reality,” she said.
Ruby added that the parallel between their careers has haunted her for decades. She noted that the mention of Louis’ name has become almost automatic in conversations, often leading to questions about her own career. “If I get in a taxi, it happens maybe more than once a week. They will say to me, ‘Did you used to do what Louis Theroux did?’ Or they say, ‘What happened to you?’” she explained.
A Personal Ban on the Name
In a 2023 episode of the Dish with Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett podcast, Ruby shared why the name Louis was banned in her household. “He was my nemesis. I was quite bitter and angry, and then I had to give him two BAFTAs, not one, but two, so I forbade my children to ever use the name Louis. It’s forbidden,” she said.
This personal ban highlights the depth of her feelings towards Louis and the impact their rivalry has had on her life.
Shared History and Competition
The coincidence of their careers is undeniable. Ruby’s talk show ran from 1996 to 1998, while Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends aired from 1998 to 2000. After Ruby’s show was canceled, she even claimed that Louis was “taking food out of my mouth and my children’s.” This sentiment underscores the competitive nature of their careers and the challenges Ruby faced in maintaining her relevance.
New Beginnings on I’m A Celebrity
As Ruby prepares for her journey on I’m A Celebrity, fans are curious to see if she will continue to engage in any new feuds. So far, she seems to have formed an unlikely bond with young influencers Aitch and Angry Ginge, even learning lingo like “leng ting” to connect with them.
I’m A Celebrity airs at 9pm on ITV1. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can get in touch with the co.uk entertainment team by emailing us at [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145, or visiting our Submit Stuff page. We’d love to hear from you.
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