Five months after bidding farewell to the Dales, Emmerdale star Paula Lane has announced she is expecting her third child — a festive surprise that has her fans and former co-stars overjoyed.
Paula, who joined the ITV soap in 2024 as Ella Forster, revealed the happy news on Instagram with a heartwarming photo: two cards reading “Best big sister” and “Best big brother” with an ultrasound scan nestled between them. She captioned the image: “Some special news to share from us @sirtomshaw — Christmas just got a bit more magical. Our baby boy due December 2025.”
The news comes after a dramatic year on and off screen for Paula. Viewers will remember her character Ella’s troubled storyline — from a painful split with Dr Liam Cavanagh to the shock revelation about her past, and her arrest after holding Liam hostage in an attempt to clear her name.
Paula, best known to Coronation Street fans as Kylie Platt, left Emmerdale in February with a touching behind-the-scenes farewell video filmed on her final day. “Today is Valentine’s Day, and I’m actually about to finish shooting my final scene on Emmerdale as Ella,” she told fans. “I have had a lovely time here. I’ve met some wonderful people and will really cherish the experience… She is a brilliant character and never say never.”
Her Emmerdale colleagues wasted no time celebrating her new chapter. Danny Miller commented, “Congratulations guys,” while Lisa Riley gushed: “CONGRATULATIONS HOORAY!!! Now I can tell everyone… can’t wait for Christmas cuddles!”
