Double Act

Ruby is impulsive, outspoken, and fiercely protective of Garnet. She uses quick schemes to cope with change, including stealing money to fund the audition. Her actions reveal both resourcefulness and a capacity for remorse as she learns the limits of getting what she wants. Her bond with Garnet drives much of the plot and her personal growth.

Garnet is gentle, imaginative, and more cautious than Ruby. She seeks stability and forms a close friendship with Judy. When pressure arises from Ruby’s actions, Garnet shows resilience and a desire to prove herself, ultimately bridging the gap between sisters.

Richard is a practical, often beleaguered father trying to keep his family together after losing his job. His decisions, including moving to the countryside and sending Gran to a senior home, strain the family but reflect his desire to provide. He is protective but sometimes unaware of his daughters’ feelings, leading to moments of apology and reconciliation.

Gran is warm, supportive, and the emotional anchor of the family. Her relocation to a senior home marks a shift in family life, and she remains a source of love and resilience for Ruby and Garnet. She forms a caring bond with her granddaughters even as life becomes more complicated.

Rose is Dad's girlfriend, whose presence divides opinion among the twins. She embodies new family dynamics and adds tension as the sisters adjust to a stepfamily structure while holding onto what remains of home and memory.

Miss Debenham is a strict, no-nonsense teacher who represents the formal education system the twins encounter. Her interactions with Ruby and Garnet highlight discipline, ambition, and the push toward a future beyond their current life.

Judy becomes Garnet’s friend, offering companionship and encouragement amid the twins’ upheaval. Her presence adds warmth and stability as Garnet navigates new social circles.

Jeremy, nicknamed 'Blob' by the twins, is presented as a disruptive peer that challenges the twins at school. His antagonistic presence heightens the stakes of school life and the twins’ efforts to fit in.

The casting director, portrayed by Jacqueline Wilson, is impressed by Ruby and Garnet and drives the TV audition plot. This character embodies the entertainment industry’s gatekeeping and the possibility of a breakthrough for the twins.