Emmerdale's Paula Lane is set to take on a fresh role amidst speculation about her character Ella Forster's departure from the popular ITV soap.
The 38 year old actress recently hinted at an exit from the village, with her Spotlight CV suggesting that filming would wrap up in February 2025. Her profile earlier this year read: "Currently appearing as series regular Ella in Emmerdale ITV filming until February 2025."
Paula's upcoming role has now been unveiled, with Forum Theatre Billingham announcing that she will join the cast of Peter Pan.
In a social media post, Forum Theatre Billingham wrote: "CAST ANNOUNCEMENT From The Cobbles to The Dales we are delighted to announce our Pantomime stars for Peter Pan!".
They continued: "We are also delighted to welcome Paula Lane in the role of Tinker-Bell straight from The Dales where she is currently playing Ella Forester. Paula's character Ella is at the centre of the storylines in Emmerdale and has been since the start of 2024.", reports Leeds Live.
"You may also recognise Paula from Coronation Street where she played Kylie Platt from 2010 -2016. Kylie was the wife of long-time character David Platt and was murdered by another Corrie baddie in 2016, let's not hope history repeats itself in Billingham."
Joining Paula on stage will be fellow soap star, Connor McIntyre, known for his role as Pat Phelan on Coronation Street from 2013 to 2018. He will be stepping into the shoes of Captain Hook.
The news comes as Ella is embroiled in a major plotline on Emmerdale, where she stands accused of drugging her romantic rival Chas Dingle, an allegation she strongly refutes.
Fans of the soap will remember that Chas is set to marry Ella's former flame, Liam Cavanagh, after a love triangle involving the three. In forthcoming episodes, Chas and Liam grow increasingly worried as Ella starts bombarding them with messages and calls.
However, when Belle Dingle receives an email cancelling Liam and Chas' wedding, it appears that Ella is ramping up her campaign of harassment.
In a state of desperation, Liam contacts the police, and tensions escalate when one of the pub's windows is shattered. Liam and Chas are convinced that Ella is responsible, oblivious to the fact that Ella is observing their every move...
The drama heightens when Ella unexpectedly shows up at best friend Mandy Dingle's house, insisting on speaking with Liam. When Mandy declines, Ella detains Mandy against her will, compelling Liam to intervene.
A frantic Ella tries to persuade Liam that she's being set up, and he endeavours to coax a confession out of her by feigning a reconciliation. Upon realising Liam's trickery, Ella reaches for the knife once more.
Before long, Chas and Mandy arrive on the scene, prompting Ella to make a run for it with Liam hot on her heels. A confrontation ensues in the woods, during which Ella shoves Liam, causing him to fall and strike his head. Convinced she may have killed him, a distraught Ella weeps over his motionless body...
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
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