Former Coronation Street star Paula Lane has joined the cast of Emmerdale and will first appear on our screens in January.
Paula’s character is compassionate and caring Ella Forster. Ella soon finds herself out of a job when she sticks up for Mandy Dingle, played by Lisa Riley, while she attends a Veterinary Ball with her partner Paddy.
Ella, who soap bosses have described as "far from a pushover", will soon find some good luck when a chance meeting with Manpreet Sharma, played by Rebecca Sarker, opens up an opportunity. And it won't be long before Ella is turning heads in the fictional Yorkshire village.
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Soap fans will know Paula, 37, for playing Kylie Platt in Corrie from 2010 to 2016. Her character was brutally murdered in the street by Clayton Gibbs - son of Shona Ramsey, who is now married to Kylie's former husband David Platt.
The scene in which Kylie died was one of the most heartrending Coronation Street moments to date. Fans cried along at home as David begged his wife to stay with him until the ambulance arrived, before breaking down in absolute heartbreak when he realised she had gone.
During her break from Soapland Paula has appeared in a number of huge theatre productions. Discussing her arrival in Emmerdale, she said: "I'm so excited.
"Everyone has been so welcoming and I can't wait to start a new chapter playing the role of Ella. I've already heard there are big plans for her and I can't wait to see her navigate a new life in the village and hopefully make some friends!”
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX
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