Former Coronation Street actress Paula Lane has been announced as joining the cast of ITV’s Emmerdale and is due to make her debut on screen in January.
Paula will play compassionate and caring Ella Forster who soon finds herself out of a job when she sticks up for Mandy Dingle (played by Lisa Riley) who’s attending a Veterinary Ball with her partner Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt).
Far from a pushover, luck is soon to come Ella’s way when a chance encounter with Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) opens up an opportunity.
And it’s not long before Ella is turning heads in the village, but who’s heads are turning?
Paula is best known for her role as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street, with her character being killed off in 2016.
Reflecting on her new role, Paula Lane said: “I’m so excited to be joining the cast of Emmerdale.
“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!”
Producer Kate Brooks said: “Ella is a complex and multi-layered character who comes to the village and certainly makes an impact.
“Ostensibly she’s a good, moral character, but is there more to her than meets the eye? We are absolutely thrilled to welcome an actor of Paula’s calibre to the show and we can’t wait to have her light up our screens.”
Producer Laura Shaw recently teased what viewers can expect to see during the Christmas period.
She told Express.co.uk and other press: “There’s going to be a tragedy in the village in January that’s going to affect two of our most-loved families.
“It’s ultimately going to tear friendships apart and change the dynamics of one of those families forever.”
Laura also confirmed a familiar face will make a return and said: “A familiar face is returning in the new year. This person comes back to help one of our villagers who is in a bit of trouble.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
