Ella is convinced that Warren is her dad – and it would certainly create an interesting dynamic! (Picture: Lime Pictures)

There was a shock among the Hollyoaks fandom recently – but it didn’t come a surprise to anyone more than it did Ella Richardson.

The character is now determined that Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) is her dad, and she is determined to get to the bottom of it.

It would certainly make a fascinating dynamic, and young star Erin Palmer is certainly intrigued by the prospect.

Joining Metro.co.uk for an exclusive chat, she reflected on the potential revelation and drama ahead for Ella.

Having been in the show for years, she also discussed growing up on the show and the juggling it involves and her hope for remaining on the show.

She also reveals her best friend ‘in the world’, and her experience playing out Ella’s mental health storylines, especially alongside different generations in the show.

With big material to come, the star discusses challenges, twists and joy.

Ella is struggling a lot at the moment – how would you describe her state of mind?

Yeah, Ella is struggling a lot at the minute with pretty much everything that is being thrown at her. I would describe her state of mind as hurt and confused as all the people that she thought she could trust or be vulnerable around have now proved that that is not the case.

Charlie was the one person who she could always talk to and now that that emotional connection is no longer there, I think that she is feeling quite exposed to the world and very alone.

What has it been like portraying Ella feeling this way? Has it been challenging?

It has been a bit difficult to portray Ella while she has been going through these hard times but seeing as I’ve been playing Ella for 7 years now, I have gotten used to being able to distinguish between Ella’s emotions and my own.

However, Gary Lucy gave me some really good advice that after an emotional scene you should always make sure that you do something fun or something that makes you happy afterwards which has really helped me.

Are you glad to be given the chance with Hollyoaks to shine a light on the mental health struggles that young people face?

Yes, I am very glad to be given the chance to showcase some of the struggles that can arise for young people today. I feel that the real effects of poor mental health in young people are not fully understood and especially how much it can affect their lives.

Therefore, I am extremely grateful that I have the platform to be able to show exactly what can happen to a person when their mental health isn’t checked upon and the importance of spreading awareness.

Charlie’s actions have taken their toll – how does Ella feel about him? Are there feeling there still or is this it now?

Erin has grown up on the show – and, while she finds juggling everything a challenge at times, she couldn’t be happier (Picture: Lime Pictures)

After everything Charlie has done in the past couple of episodes, Ella is feeling very angry at Charlie and hurt that he would treat her this way, however, I think that no matter what Charlie does to Ella, she will always have a soft spot for him as they have been through so much together.

I don’t think Ella’s feelings towards Charlie will ever go away to be honest. They always say that they won’t get back together but I think everyone knows that it’s always a possibility.

Were you intrigued to find out that Ella would be searching for her biological father?

I was very intrigued and excited to find out about Ella’s pursuit of her biological father because I have never been certain about who he is. It’s a great storyline to be a part of and it’s such an honour to be able to go on this journey with Ella.

Can you explain what draws Ella to believe that Warren is her dad?

Ella is determined to get to the truth (Picture: Hollyoaks)

Well as the viewers know, Ella thought that Tony Hutchinson was her dad, but the dates didn’t add up so then she dove into her mums past and realised that she had a dalliance with Warren. Through the process of elimination, she has decided that it could only be him. There are some other people who it could be, but I think that Ella is pretty set on being a Fox.

Would you like for this to turn out to be the case? They are very different characters!

I would be happy either way however I think that because Ella is so impressionable, being around someone with such a bad reputation could lead her off the rails a bit. Ella constantly tries to make everyone around her happy so if she was around Warren then she could try and do stupid things to impress him.

These two characters are polar opposites but who knows, if Warren is Ella’s dad, then we might see a softer side of him in the future and they might end up having a lovely relationship.

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Leah is doing all she can to be there for Ella, but she is pushing her away. Do you think there’s a chance Leah can get through to her?

Yes definitely, I think that Ella and Leah have a great friendship and Leah only wants what is best for Ella. Ella is only pushing her away because she is upset but I’m sure she will come round in the end and listen to her.

You share scenes with Alex Fletcher and Steph Waring in relation to Diane and Cindy’s mental health? What has it been like to do this, and explore female mental health with different generations?

Erin has felt privileged to explore mental health stories with different generations (Picture: Lime Pictures

I love Alex and Steph and I think they’re great people to work with, so it has been a really interesting experience while we’re all filming our separate storylines. Exploring mental health with different generations is an amazing thing because you have different point of views on the same topics.

Being involved with so many mental health story lines is good because I have gained a wider understanding of lots of mental health issues that people face in the world. Alex and Steph will also answer any questions that I have on the subjects which has really helped me.

There is clearly a hard road still ahead – over the months to come, what can you tease is ahead for Ella?

Well, I can’t say too much because I want all the viewers to keep on guessing about Ella’s future and I don’t want to give anything away, but I think you should expect to see more on the pursuit to find Ella’s father and the shenanigans that happen to the teens over summer!

What is it like growing up on the soap and in the spotlight – are you enjoying the role and is it tricky to balance work/study/life?

Ella has grown up on the show – and found a best friend too (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Growing up on Hollyoaks has been such a wonderful experience. Filming for Hollyoaks is my absolute favourite thing in the world and I love everyone. Trying to balance my work life and my studies is a challenge but I put the hours in, and I am maintaining high grades at school, so I think I am doing a good job.

Everyone at Hollyoaks makes it so easy for me and if I have a concern about anything then they listen with all ears and make me at ease.

Are you close with any other younger cast in the show? Are you excited to be part of the next Hollyoaks generation?

My best friend in the entire world is Elá-May Demircan who plays Leah Barnes. We have grown really close over the past few years and I think one of the reasons is that we have so many shared experiences with us both being at Hollyoaks.

I am really close with all the young actors, but I think I am definitely closest with Elá. I am so excited to be a part of the next generation (if I am lucky enough) because every day I am at Hollyoaks, I have so much fun and really enjoy myself every time I go to film. Also, I am very excited to see where they take my character in the coming years.

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The Hollyoaks actress discusses a revelation for Ella, her journey on Hollyoaks and her best mate in the world.