Castaway viewers praise ‘utterly brilliant’ Ruby Wax after show sees her stranded on a desert island
Castaway viewers praised the “utterly brilliant” and “brave” Ruby Wax after the first episode of her new show on Sunday.
In the Channel 5 series, the 70-year-old comedian is stranded alone on a deserted island in the depths of Madagascar for ten days.
Before heading to the tropical location, viewers saw Ruby meet up with friend Joanna Lumley, 76, who offered advice after she made a similar show in 1994 — changing her bra to shoes to cope with the island’s treacherous terrain .
After reaching her new home, Ruby left viewers “in awe” as she wielded a machete to cut down trees to build herself a shelter.
The actress, who has been open about her struggles with her mental health, emotionally confessed to the camera that she was “out of her depth” before declaring in later scenes “people with mental health are survivors because we know what it’s like to be alone to be’.
Stranded: Ruby Wax: Castaway viewers praised the ‘utterly brilliant’ and ‘brave’ star after Sunday’s first episode
Hard work: In the Channel 5 show, the 70-year-old comedian is stranded and lives alone for ten days on a deserted island in the depths of Madagascar
While racing to Twitter, one fan gushed, “Castaway with Ruby, what a champion to never give up and show strength, not resilience. Helping others as she helps herself.
And: ‘I am in awe of you! Not just a case for women’s mental health, but wow that’s an amazing adventure xx’.
With a third writing: ‘Just watched @Rubywax #castaway wow I don’t even know what to say…thanks for your honesty, bravery (is that even a good word) I’m in awe’.
A fourth agreed: ‘Watching #castaway WOW what an amazing woman! I have so much awe and admiration!!’.
While others called her “absolutely brilliant” and “amazing.”
Comedian Emma Kennedy said, “10 seconds and Ruby Wax Castaway is already incredible.”
And another viewer praised the show’s concept, writing, “We’re losing our natural sense of life in the world we live in, it’s a shame we’re losing touch with nature, and we wonder why the mental health issues increase’.
In January, Ruby sparked concern among fans after she shared a video from her hospital bed as she trained for life on the island.
A little help: Before heading to the tropical location, viewers saw Ruby (right) meet with friend Joanna Lumley (left), 76, who offered advice after she made a similar show in 1994
Wow: After reaching her new home, Ruby left viewers ‘in awe’ as she wielded a machete to cut down trees to build herself a shelter
Incredible: The actress, who has been open about her mental health struggles, emotionally confessed to the camera that she was ‘out of her depth’
Throwback: During her own time on a deserted island, Joanna famously wore her famous bra as shoes to cope with the island’s difficult terrain (pictured in 1994)
The trip seemed to take a turn for the worse when she ended up showing footage of herself in the hospital instead of exploring island life.
Ruby said directly to fans in the video, “Hello, my name is Ruby Wax and this is the cover of my new book.
‘I think it says it all. No comment from me. It comes out on May 11 and you can pre-order it from the link in my bio. It’s my new baby.’
She captioned the post: I’m excited to share with you the entire cover of my new book “I’m Not As Good As I Thought I Was” — which I think says it all.
“This could be my most honest and raw book yet, which feels good, but also a little scary.
Inspirational: She later stated that “mental health people are survivors because we know what it’s like to be alone.”
In awe: Racing to Twitter, one fan gushed, “Scastwrecked with Ruby, what a champion to never give up and show strength, not resilience. Helping others as she helps herself’
“I really hope it can provide some reassurance and guidance to anyone struggling with their own mental health. It comes out on May 11 and you can pre-order it now via the link in my bio. Ruby x’.
Under various hashtags in the post, Ruby wrote: “#DepressionSupport,” “#DepressionRecovery,” and #PsychiatricHospital.
Fans were quick to send Ruby their best wishes and many were concerned when they saw her in the hospital with a monitor attached to her heart.
Concern: In January, Ruby sparked concern among fans after she shared a video from her hospital bed as she trained for life on the island
One wrote, “Wtf. hope you are well In hospital bed Ruby…..cyber hug of soothing vibes coming your way.’
Another added: ‘Can’t wait to read it…. But are you Hun? As we can see you are in the hospital… X’
A third said: ‘I hope you are well, my ex-wife has been in the hospital for almost two weeks now.’
Last year, Ruby bared her soul by admitting to fans that she’s suffering from her first major depression in 12 years and saying she has “dead eyes.”
The comedian, 69, who has struggled with her mental health over the years and retired from TV 25 years ago due to depression, admitted she is “exhausted” and “didn’t see the signs,” as she told fans that battle with the disease that made thoughts “so distressing it’s hard to stay alive.”
Ruby Wax: Castaway continues on Channel 5 on Sunday 30 April