Ruby Stokes Bio: Age, Career, Movies, TV Shows & More
Ruby Stokes is an English actress who has built a strong career across television, film, and theatre. She gained international attention after playing Francesca Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton.
However, Stokes soon expanded her career beyond the popular period drama. She took the lead role of Lucy Carlyle in Lockwood & Co., showing her ability to handle darker and more demanding stories.
In 2026, Stokes continued that progression with appearances in projects including Madfabulous, Sunny Dancer, and Below.
Therefore, her career now includes acclaimed television roles, independent films, and major streaming productions.
Who Is Ruby Stokes?
Ruby Stokes is an English actress born on September 4, 2000, in Hackney, London, England. Her birth name is Ruby May Stokes.
She began acting professionally as a child and gradually developed a diverse screen career. Her early credits included television appearances and theatre work.
According to current industry listings, Stokes remains active in film and television. Her recent credits include Jay Kelly, Sunny Dancer, Madfabulous, and Below.
She also earned recognition for performances in Una, Rocks, A Banquet, and Lockwood & Co.
Ruby Stokes Quick Facts
- Full name: Ruby May Stokes
- Date of birth: September 4, 2000
- Birthplace: Hackney, London, England
- Nationality: British
- Profession: Actress
- Known for: Bridgerton, Lockwood & Co., The Burning Girls
- Notable films: Una, Rocks, A Banquet, Jay Kelly, Madfabulous, Sunny Dancer
- Active since: 2010
Ruby Stokes Age
Ruby Stokes is 26 years old in 2026. She celebrated her 26th birthday on September 4, 2026.
She started working as a performer while still young. Over time, she moved from smaller roles into increasingly prominent productions.
Her career demonstrates a steady transition from child performer to established young actress.
Ruby Stokes Early Life and Family
Ruby Stokes grew up in Hackney, East London. She developed an interest in performance during her childhood.
Stokes also has two younger brothers, Clement and Seth. Both brothers have pursued acting and appeared in television projects.
Her early experiences helped prepare her for professional acting. Consequently, she gained experience across different forms of entertainment before becoming widely recognized.
Stokes also appeared in theatre productions during her younger years. In 2017, she played the title role in the London revival of Annie at the Piccadilly Theatre.
That experience gave her valuable stage training alongside her screen work.
Ruby Stokes Acting Career
Stokes began appearing on television around 2010. One of her early credits came in Just William, where she played Grumpy Girl.
She later appeared in Not Going Out and Da Vinci’s Demons. These early roles helped her gain valuable professional experience.
She also moved into film during her teenage years.
Her film credits included Una, Rocks, and A Banquet. Each project allowed her to explore different characters and genres.
Most importantly, these roles demonstrated her versatility before her major Netflix breakthrough.
Ruby Stokes in Bridgerton
Ruby Stokes became widely known after joining Netflix’s Bridgerton.
She played Francesca Bridgerton, the second-youngest daughter in the Bridgerton family. The character appeared during the show’s first two seasons.
Francesca remains a significant member of the Bridgerton family in the series. However, the production later recast the role.
Stokes appeared as Francesca in five episodes between 2020 and 2022.
Her performance introduced her to a huge international audience. Furthermore, Bridgerton helped establish her as one of Britain’s promising young actors.
Why Did Ruby Stokes Leave Bridgerton?
Ruby Stokes left Bridgerton after its second season because she took the leading role in Lockwood & Co.
The scheduling conflict made it difficult for her to continue appearing as Francesca. Netflix subsequently cast Hannah Dodd as Francesca from the third season onward.
Stokes later described leaving Francesca as a difficult decision. Nevertheless, she considered her time on Bridgerton an important experience.
The change ultimately allowed her to take a leading role rather than remain in a smaller recurring position.
Ruby Stokes as Lucy Carlyle in Lockwood & Co.
After Bridgerton, Stokes landed one of her biggest roles in Lockwood & Co.
She played Lucy Carlyle, a teenage paranormal investigator with an extraordinary supernatural ability.
The Netflix series premiered in January 2023. It follows three young ghost hunters investigating dangerous supernatural mysteries in London.
Lucy can hear and communicate with ghosts. Her ability makes her an essential member of the Lockwood & Co. team.
The role gave Stokes significantly more screen time than her Bridgerton character. It also allowed her to demonstrate her range through action, suspense, and emotional scenes.
Although Netflix did not continue the series beyond its first season, Stokes received considerable attention for her performance.
Ruby Stokes in The Burning Girls
In 2023, Stokes also appeared in the Paramount+ series The Burning Girls.
She played Flo Brooks, the daughter of Reverend Jack Brooks, portrayed by Samantha Morton.
The psychological thriller follows a mother and daughter who move to a village with a disturbing history. The story combines mystery, religion, family drama, and supernatural elements.
The project further demonstrated Stokes’ willingness to explore darker material.
Ruby Stokes in The Jetty
Stokes later joined the cast of The Jetty in 2024.
The BBC drama stars Jenna Coleman and follows a detective investigating troubling secrets surrounding her hometown.
Stokes played Hannah Manning, adding another complex dramatic performance to her television credits.
The role continued her progression toward more mature characters.
Ruby Stokes Movies
Ruby Stokes has appeared in several notable films throughout her career.
Una
Stokes appeared in the 2016 drama Una as Young Una.
The film explores complicated relationships and painful memories. It also featured Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn.
The project gave Stokes early exposure to serious dramatic filmmaking.
Rocks
Stokes appeared in Rocks, a critically recognized British coming-of-age drama.
The movie follows a teenage girl trying to care for her younger brother while facing difficult circumstances.
Her involvement added another important independent-film credit to her growing résumé.
A Banquet
Stokes played Isabelle in the psychological horror film A Banquet.
The movie follows a mother whose teenage daughter experiences a profound transformation.
Again, the role allowed Stokes to work within an unsettling and emotionally intense story.
Jay Kelly
Stokes also appeared in Jay Kelly, a 2025 film directed by Noah Baumbach.
The movie features major stars including George Clooney and Adam Sandler. Stokes plays Sara in the film.
The project marked another significant step in her film career.
Ruby Stokes in Madfabulous
One of Stokes’ most notable recent projects is Madfabulous.
The 2026 British historical drama stars Callum Scott Howells, Ruby Stokes, and Rupert Everett.
Stokes plays Lily Paget, the cousin, friend, and eventual wife of Henry Paget. Howells portrays the flamboyant aristocrat Henry Paget, 5th Marquess of Anglesey.
The story explores Henry’s extravagant lifestyle during the late nineteenth century.
Stokes described the period costumes as an important part of understanding her character. She explained that costume and makeup helped her discover elements of Lily’s personality.
The film premiered at BFI Flare in March 2026. It later received a UK theatrical release in June.
Therefore, Madfabulous represents another important stage in Stokes’ growing film career.
Ruby Stokes in Sunny Dancer
Stokes also appears in Sunny Dancer, a 2026 coming-of-age film.
The movie features an ensemble cast that includes Bella Ramsey and other young British performers.
Stokes plays Ella in the film.
The project further expands her filmography beyond television franchises and period dramas.
Ruby Stokes in Below
In 2026, Stokes also appeared in the television miniseries Below.
She plays Pary Penney in the project. The series adds another contemporary credit to her growing list of screen roles.
Her recent projects show that she continues to choose varied roles.
Ruby Stokes Theatre Career
Stokes also has experience performing on stage.
Her theatre career includes playing Annie in the 2017 London revival of Annie. She performed the title role at the Piccadilly Theatre.
Theatre helped Stokes strengthen her performance skills before she became a major television star.
Her stage experience also demonstrates that her career extends beyond Netflix productions.
Ruby Stokes Awards and Recognition
Stokes earned industry recognition as her career progressed.
In 2023, Screen International named Ruby Stokes one of its Stars of Tomorrow.
The recognition reflected her growing reputation within the British acting industry.
Her transition from Bridgerton to Lockwood & Co. also demonstrated her potential as a leading performer.
What Is Ruby Stokes Doing Now?
Ruby Stokes continues to develop her career across television and film in 2026.
Her recent credits include Madfabulous, Sunny Dancer, and Below.
Meanwhile, Madfabulous has brought renewed attention to her work.
Rather than relying on her Bridgerton fame, Stokes continues to pursue different characters and genres.
This approach could help her build a long-term career across British and international productions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby Stokes
How old is Ruby Stokes?
Ruby Stokes is 26 years old in 2026. She was born on September 4, 2000.
Where is Ruby Stokes from?
Ruby Stokes comes from Hackney, London, England.
What is Ruby Stokes famous for?
She is best known for playing Francesca Bridgerton in Bridgerton and Lucy Carlyle in Lockwood & Co.
Why did Ruby Stokes leave Bridgerton?
She left Bridgerton after its second season to lead Lockwood & Co. The production later recast Francesca with Hannah Dodd.
Who replaced Ruby Stokes in Bridgerton?
Hannah Dodd replaced Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton from season three onward.
What movies has Ruby Stokes appeared in?
Her film credits include Una, Rocks, A Banquet, Jay Kelly, Madfabulous, and Sunny Dancer.
What is Ruby Stokes’ role in Madfabulous?
Stokes plays Lily Paget, the cousin, friend, and wife of Henry Paget.
Final Thoughts
Ruby Stokes has built an impressive acting career since making her screen debut as a child.
Her breakthrough as Francesca Bridgerton introduced her to global audiences. However, she quickly proved that her career could extend far beyond Bridgerton.
Her leading performance in Lockwood & Co. showed her ability to carry a major television role. Meanwhile, projects such as The Burning Girls and The Jetty demonstrated her dramatic range.
In 2026, Madfabulous, Sunny Dancer, and Below have added fresh credits to her filmography.
Most importantly, Stokes continues to choose varied characters instead of repeating one particular type.
Her career remains one to watch as she moves from promising young actress to an increasingly established British screen performer.
