Paula Lane is swapping the cobbles for the Dales (Picture: ITV)
New year in Emmerdale is set to see the arrival of a new character, played by none other than Coronation Street legend Paula Lane.
Fans of the ITV soap may remember Paula as the feisty Kylie Platt, who tragically died in husband David’s (Jack P Shepherd) arms in 2016 after being stabbed.
Now, Paula is swapping the cobbles for the Dales as she takes on the role of Ella Forster – a caring and compassionate character who is set to fall on difficult times.
Ella will meet Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) at a Veterinary Ball she is attending with partner Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt), and will end up losing her job after sticking up for the salon owner.
Not willing to let herself be down for too long, Ella soon finds herself in a chance encounter with Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) who offers her an opportunity.
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As Paula settles into life in the village, it isn’t long before she starts to turn heads…
Speaking about her new role, actress 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!’
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Producer Kate Brooks was equally as enthusiastic about the new addition to the cast, as she teased more about what viewers can expect from Ella.
‘Ella is a complex and multi-layered character who comes to the village and certainly makes an impact,’ she revealed.
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‘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.’
Paula will begin filming this month, with Ella set to hit our screens in January. Frankly, we can’t wait!
MORE : Emmerdale’s Jessie Elland talks real life friendship with on-screen enemy Emma Atkins
Ella will hit our screens in January.