Ruth arrives as a student and begins to date heartthrob Kurt Benson (Jeremy Edwards). Ruth's father Jack (James McKenna), mother Celia (Carol Noakes) and younger brother Darren (Adam Booth) moved into Hollyoaks village where they buy the local pub The Dog in the Pond. Ruth is shocked to discover her father and best friend Dawn Cunningham (Lisa Williamson) had slept together. Ruth's decided that she didn't want to see Dawn again, causing hating Dawn's family for the rest of her life, but, she forgives her when she discover that Dawn had leukemia, which leads her to death. Ruth began getting hassle from Spike who tried to entrap her, but Kurt intervened and accidentally pushed Spike off the scaffolding. Kurt is charged causing more problems in their relationship. Kurt becomes paranoid that Ruth thinks he is guilty and he breaks up with her and leaves, going to Hull. Ruth follows him and they marry. Ruth's troubles with Spike continue when she discovers that Spike, amongst other builders will be going to repair the college. Spike traps Ruth in a room and tries to force himself on her, but Rob Hawthorne (Warren DeRosa) steps in to rescue her.