EMMERDALE star Paula Lane has shared a sad farewell message after Ella Forster’s exit from the ITV soap.

Viewers watched last night as troubled Ella bowed out of the ITV soap.

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Paula Lane shared a sad farewell video as her character Ella leaves EmmerdaleCredit: Instagram

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The character debuted in the soap just over a year agoCredit: ITV

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Ella worried she’d killed Liam Cavanagh in dramatic scenesCredit: ITV
The Sun was the first to reveal that Paula Lane would be exiting the soap after her stint as Ella fell rather flat with very little fanfare.

Paula first appeared to confirm she had quit the show when she updated her professional Spotlight account to confirm she would cease filming on the soap opera in February 2025 after 16 months in the role.

Taking to Instagram, the soap star shared a video she’d recorded in February ahead of filming her final scenes.

She told her followers: “Hey, all you lovely Emmerdale fans.

“Today is Valentine’s Day and I am actually about to go and finsh shooting my final scene on Emmerdale as Ella.

“By the time you watch this, it’s going to be around April, I think. I just wanted to say I have had a lovely time here.

“I’ve met some wonderful people. And I will really, really cherish the experience.

“I just want to say thank you all for your support, your messages.

“I hope you get to see me on some new dramas in the future. Or on stage. Or wherever life now takes me in my career.

Paula concluded: “Honestly, everything is all positive. There’s no negatives to spin on this.

Emmerdale actress secretly quits soap as exit date revealed

“She is a brilliant character and, you know, never say never. Who knows?”

“So, lots of love from me. Over and out.”

During her storyline, it was revealed Ella had killed best friend Joanne when she was a child.

The receptionist also had an ill-fated romance with Dr. Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson).

One of Paula’s followers wrote: “Loved Ella. You were amazing playing her. Sad to see her go to be honest.”

Another penned: “Brilliant performance in last nights Emmerdale Paula. Well done. X.”

A third chimed in: “No I wish you weren’t leaving. I feel so sorry for Ella! You have done an amazing job!”

While a fourth remarked: “So sad Ella has gone. I really liked her and thought her vulnerability made her relatable.

Darkest soap storylines

Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…

EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) – Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca’s adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police.
Emmerdale: Holly’s drug addiction and shock d3ath (2010-2016) – In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale’s first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a d3adly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly d3ad in her bed from a heroin overdose.
Hollyoaks: Luke’s rape (2000) – Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap’s first male rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs – who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance.
Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) – Just a mere mention of ‘Richard Hillman’ is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it’s not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn’t.

“Her sad backstory which had created issues of abandonment and rejection meant I rooted for her a lot.

“I believe she was innocent of harassing Chas and Liam and didn’t OD her. I think it was actually John. Will miss you from ED.”

However, some viewers were disappointed by the character’s exit, branding it “pathetic” and saying Paula “deserved better”.

Emmerdale continues on ITV1 and ITVX.

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Paula hinted viewers could see Ella again one dayCredit: Instagram