However, Ella hasn’t been seen on screen much lately leaving viewers confused and wondering if they missed her exit.
Ella hid a dark secret when she arrived in the Dales (Credit: ITV)
Ella Forster in Emmerdale
Paula Lane has played Ella since January 2024. Ella was first seen on screen attending a vets function at The Hide Bar. After her boss mocked Mandy Dingle‘s outfit, Ella came to her defence and poured a drink over his head.
Ella and Mandy soon became friends and after hearing them talking, Manpreet offered Ella a new job as a receptionist at the surgery.
Ella settled into the Dales and caught the attention of Liam Cavanagh. However, it was soon revealed that Ella was hiding a dark secret.
When she had been 11, Ella – then named Ruth – had got into a fight with her best friend Joanne, which resulted in Joanne’s death.
While she managed to resume life in Emmerdale, despite her secret being revealed, she was heartbroken when Liam decided he wanted to be with Chas Dingle instead.
Most recently, Ella was seen on screen last month when Wendy Posner spoke to a journalist about Ella’s history. Wendy was shunned for throwing her colleague under the bus and she promptly left the village. However, Ella has been nowhere to be seen since.
Ella was last seen last month (Credit: ITV)
Has Paula Lane left the role of Ella in Emmerdale?
Fans have taken to social media to question Ella’s on-screen absence.
Writing on Reddit, one fan said: “Has Ella gone? Know the actress quit suddenly, she’s not mentioned in the spoilers. Is she gone already? Did she leave when Wendy ratted her out?”
Another fan wondered the same thing and also added: “I feel bad for Paula Lane. Apart from that one episode where her secret was revealed, they really gave her NOTHING to work with.”
“Her exit would’ve been revealed. She should stop filming this month, so will leave in March/ April,” shared another viewer, while a fourth asked: “Hasn’t she stopped already?”Â
An update to Paula Lane’s Spotlight page revealed that she will stop filming in February 2025, so it looks like we will be getting a bit more of Ella before she exits.
The Emmerdale cast changes regularly, but who’s leaving Emmerdale next? The village is always busy with comings and goings, and this year is proving to be no different! We’ve recently said goodbye to Nate Robinson, and also waved off Samson Dingle, Suni Sharma, Nicky Miligan and Ethan Anderson this year.
And there is more drama to come in the shape of exits and entrances. Here’s the lowdown on who we’re going to be meeting and who’s saying farewell to the Dales.
Who’s leaving Emmerdale?
Will died at Christmas (Credit: ITV)
Will Taylor was the most recent exit to air on-screen as he shocked the nation with his death this Christmas.
On Christmas Day, Will and Kim held a vow renewal before Joe Tate rocked up and told Kim all about Will’s plan to get revenge on her. It turned out that whilst Will thought that Joe (or Jamie as he mistakenly thought) was on his side, he’d been double-crossed.
The stress (or so we think) got too much for Will and he ended up collapsing to the ground and bringing the Home Farm Christmas tree down with him.
He then suffered a heart attack but Kim mistook this for a panic attack and failed to help him, instead powdering her nose and relishing in his suffering.
It was only when Joe Tate turned up and recognised the signs of a heart attack that Kim sprung into action. But, it was too late and Will passed away. Brutal.
Ella has had a tough time since her arrival (Credit: ITV)
Ella Forster
Actress Paula Lane is reportedly leaving the show in 2025. Paula has played the role of Ella Forster in Emmerdale since the beginning of the year, but it looks like an exit is already set.
The news was revealed on Paula’s own talent Spotlight page, which is linked in her Instagram bio. It states that while she is currently playing Ella in Emmerdale, she is set to finish filming in February 2025. This suggests the character’s Emmerdale exit will appear on the screen in spring time. Emmerdale Insider reached out to Emmerdale who told us they do not comment on cast contracts.
Ella has been part of some huge storylines this year. She quickly became friends with Mandy Dingle and found a romantic spark with Liam Cavanagh. But it all fell apart when it was revealed she had killed a friend of hers during her childhood, and was jailed for a long time
Ella was then pregnant with Liam’s baby and she hoped to rekindle their romance. But she tragically lost the baby, and Liam’s focus was on his feelings for Chas Dingle.
Losing Heath and dealing with Pollard’s behaviour have kept Brenda busy in 2024 (Credit: ITV)
Brenda Walker
A report in The Mirror has suggested Lesley Dunlop is leaving her role as Brenda Walker after 16 years. The exit has not been officially announced and Emmerdale has declined to comment.
A source told the publication: “There have been so many exits recently and the talk is of more. With people like Lesley and Roxy potentially in the mix, nobody feels safe.
“The show has grown a lot bigger in recent years but soaps are expensive to make. It’s inevitable saving money means losing people – but it’s a huge shame all the same for those involved, their friends and colleagues.”
Brenda owns the local cafe alongside Nicola King. She is the partner of Eric Pollard and has helped him through his Parkinson’s diagnosis. At the start of this year Brenda was left devastated when her stepson, Heath, was killed in a car accident.
Currently Brenda has no idea Eric has taken their life savings and invested it in a bogus cryptocurrency scheme. She’s sure to find out before too long as all their accounts are empty. But will she forgive him? Or could this cause her to leave?
Amelia’s has been in a relationship with domestic abuser Tom King, leaving fans worried she might meet a sad end, though Daisy has said the door is being left open so she could return.
Recently she finally saw the light about the man she had been defending and helped the police to catch him. Tom has tried to get her back on side, but she has refused to be put on his prison call list.
So what finally forces Amelia out of Emmerdale? She’s struggling with the shame and guilt of not believing Belle, has spraypainted Jimmy and Nicola’s door with the word ‘scum’ and is feeling lost and alone. Will she leave the village to seek a new life away from all her past trauma?
Tom’s not sticking around (Credit: ITV/EI)
Tom King
Evil Tom King’s campaign of abuse against poor Belle is due to be resolved at the end of the year. Actor James Chase is said to be leaving the show and fans are already speculating how he departs.
Currently Tom is in prison after he was caught out spying on Belle. Cops – including the wonderful DS Foy – had enough evidence to charge Tom with coercive and controlling behaviour. Although he was let out on bail, he decided to skip the country and thanks to some very clever work by Belle, his escape was foiled and he was caught before he could board the ferry.
And with his trial set for before Christmas Tom is on his way out of the show one way or another – but will it be a lengthy stint in prison? Or a life of freedom?
Leyla, played by Roxy Shahidi, is said to be leaving Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
Leyla Harding
Reports have emerged that Leyla Harding, who’s played by Roxy Shahidi, is to leave the show in dramatic fashion!
Last month, it was rumoured that Leyla will be departing Emmerdale forever! Stories hit the press suggesting that Leyla could be killed off in explosive scenes.
Fans have been speculating wildly about how Leyla might shuffle off this mortal coil with some viewers even suggesting serial killer Meena Jutla could return to finish Leyla off.
Meanwhile, other fans have suggested evil Tom King could strike the killer blow, or someone else entirely.
We’re frankly devastated by the very idea of Leyla leaving and taking faint hope from the fact that the good people at Emmerdale haven’t confirmed or denied the rumours.
Who’s joining Emmerdale?
Emmerdale has not released any upcoming casting information.
Who’s returning to Emmerdale?
Well we don’t know details, but show boss Iain MacLeod told Digital Spy back in September: “This Christmas, there is a huge surprise arrival on Christmas Day. As well as some life or death jeopardy on Christmas Day – but obviously there will be festive brilliance as we do every year – but I think it is one of the most exciting Christmases that I can remember on Emmerdale this year!”
Speculation is now rife that the ‘surprise arrival’ will in fact be a return. Many fans think Pete Barton will come home, now his brother Ross is settling in the village again.
Others think Joe Tate, who may or may not be plotting against Kim (could be just wishful thinking) will be back. And some are hoping (still) for the Robert Sugden comeback they’ve been calling for. Just as John and Aaron are set for a happy Christmas together, could Robert come back to stir up the pot?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
This news looked to be ‘confirmed’ by the actress herself as her own Spotlight page stated that she would finish filming for the soap in February next year.
And, as this Spotlight page is linked in Paula’s official Instagram bio – it all looks to be rather legit… But, we’re not impressed with the news.
Paula’s Spotlight page revealed the news (Credit: ITV/ Composite EI!)
Paula Lane ‘confirms’ Emmerdale exit as Ella Forster
Currently in the Dales, Ella is showing her creepy side with some seriously questionable behaviour. She started stalking Dr Liam after being suspicious that he was seeing Chas whilst still in a relationship with her.
When Liam eventually confessed the truth, Ella was absolutely livid. And, with a killer past under her belt, perhaps Liam and Chas better be careful not to wind her up further.
Now though, actress Paula Lane’s Spotlight page reveals that she’s only filming for Emmerdale until February 2025. So, if we go by this, Ella’s final scenes will air on screen in the spring… Interesting.
Ella’s only been in the village for just under a year. And, it’s always felt like we’ve barely scratched the surface with her. But, with only months to go until Ella’s reported exit, we’re starting to wonder whether there’s any more depth to the character after all…
The hype was there, but nothing else was… (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale missed a trick with Ella
When it was announced that Paula Lane would be making an arrival into Emmerdale as Ella, there was a huge buzz. There was so much hype… wow, a Corrie favourite making the move over to a rival soap. It was all super exciting.
Most soap viewers were looking forward to see the talented Paula Lane back on our screens as a series regular in another show, but unfortunately Paula’s talent hasn’t been made the most of.
Perhaps part of us really hoped that Ella was linked to Emmerdale icon Meena Jutla no matter how wild this theory may’ve been. But, Ella’s secret revealed felt like a tiny bit of a let-down.
Never the less, after it was revealed that Ella had killed her best friend as a child and had spent time in prison, we were excited to see where the storyline could go. Was she going to kill again? Were there more skeletons in her closet?
But, ever since this killer reveal, all we’ve really seen has been Ella pining for Dr Liam (so like most of the women in the village then?) Yes, she’s creepy, and her obsession with Liam has us intrigued… but, with Ella’s exit coming rather soon, we’re wondering whether there’s much more to come. Was there even any point to the character?
Ella had more to give
Ella had potential to become a proper part of the village. She had good foundations yet they weren’t built upon. We would’ve loved to see the story go one of two ways in the form of a redemption storyline or for her to become Meena Jutla 2.0 (although the latter would be an extremely hard task, we must admit.)
There was so much more ground to cover, and Ella had so much more to give. Perhaps she’ll surprise us with a few more twists before she bows out. Maybe then, she’ll give us something to remember…
Another character exit is rumoured to be just around the corner as Paula Lane is reportedly stepping down as Ella in Emmerdale in 2025. But exactly how Ella Forster will leave is unknown.
While Emmerdale has insisted they don’t comment on cast contracts, Paula Lane updated her Talent Spotlight page confirming she will finish filming in February.
Exact details haven’t been released, but with Ella having just found out about Chas and Liam, mixed in with her violent backstory, we could potentially see an explosive exit.
Let’s take a look at some of the best theories on how Ella will leave Emmerdale.
Emmerdale’s Ella looks set for revenge as she catches Liam and Chas (Credit: ITV)
1. Ella gets violent – and murders Liam in Emmerdale?
Just last week Ella discovered the truth about Liam and Chas, and she was not happy. And viewers are well aware of her killer past, so could Ella take Liam down in a final act before leaving the village?
If this is the case, it could lead to Ella going to prison. However, as we have an idea of timelines, she would need to act quick.
But perhaps if she were to try to kill Liam, she may not stick around to see if she succeeded, and instead go on the run immediately.
Fans believe Ella’s revenge is the most likely storyline for her exit.
One wrote on X: “Ella is definitely going to try to get rid of Chas and/or Liam.”
Could Ella end up in prison? (Credit: ITV)
2. Ella can’t handle Liam and Chas together
Another possibility is Ella simply can’t handle seeing Liam and Chas together. Despite the couple’s initial decision to keep their romance quiet, Ella found out.
So now the cat’s out of the bag, Liam and Chas have no reason to stay hidden. Still working with her ex, this may prove tricky for Ella to move on from.
And maybe she senses that her violent past could come back and to save herself she packs her bags and leaves the village.
That seems too tame for an exit of someone with so much potential to turn into a huge villain.
Ella to die while trying to get revenge? (Credit: ITV)
3. Emmerdale’s Ella to die?
Could we see Ella’s attempt at revenge fail, and she herself ends up in the crossfire?
Not only would this work as an exit story, but the consequences left in the village would be interesting to watch.
Liam could potentially blame himself for not being more supportive. Chas could also feel the guilt about her and Liam having feelings for each other behind Ella’s back.
Then as a result it could work as an interesting new dynamic in Chas and Liam’s budding relationship.
It looks like another character is set to leave, as Paula Lane is reportedly leaving the show. And her Emmerdale exit scenes are to be filmed soon.
Paula has played the role of Ella Forster in Emmerdale since the beginning of the year, but it looks like an exit is already set.
The news was revealed on Paula’s own talent Spotlight page, which is linked in her Instagram bio.
It states while she is currently playing Ella in Emmerdale, she is set to finish filming in February 2025.
This suggests the character’s Emmerdale exit will appear on the screen in Spring time.
Ella Forster set for Emmerdale exit (Credit: ITV)
Paula Lane and her time in Emmerdale as Ella
Ella has been part of some huge storylines this year, and fans have been convinced there was far more to come for her character.
First introduced as a receptionist, Ella quickly became friends with Mandy Dingle, and found a romantic spark with Liam Cavanagh.
Viewers were then treated to an in depth shocking backstory for Ella as it was revealed she had killed a friend of hers during her childhood, and had since struggled to not be judged.
Ella was then pregnant with Liam’s baby and she hoped to rekindle their romance. But she tragically lost the baby, and Liam’s focus was on his feelings for Chas Dingle.
Just last week Ella found out the pair are now giving their relationship a go, and fans have predicted she will let her ‘psycho’ side out.
Emmerdale fans react to Ella’s upcoming exit (Credit: ITV)
Fans react to Ella’s Emmerdale exit
Fans aren’t reacting well to the news of her upcoming exit, as they all believe she has more to show.
One wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “It’s such a shame that Emmerdale has axed Ella. Paula Lane is one of the best actresses in the show and could have had huge potential.”
Another supported the exit: “Can’t blame Paula Lane for leaving. All she was given is misery to keep her character miserable.”
Other fans took to a reddit thread to share their disappointment.
One wrote: “I think she was a great potential character. Her friendship with Mandy was really sweet when she was struggling. I think here was real potential to make her bonds really strong, but they just made her mopey.”
A second expressed their annoyance: “What a complete and total waste. This exit might go down as their worst squandering.”
“So much potential with a talented actress just wasted”, another penned.
Luckily for fans, we still have a few months left with Ella on our screens. And hopefully her exit storyline will be exciting.
Emmerdale Insider has contacted Emmerdale who said they do not comment on cast contracts.
Fans of Emmerdale have complained that star Paula Lane is being ‘wasted’ in the soap as Ella Forster. Poor Ella hasn’t had an easy time of it since returning to the village – with Liam struggling to make up his mind between her and Chas.
Liam ultimately did make his choice, and it was one which left Ella out in the cold, dumped by the doctor as he decided to go for Chas instead.
To add insult to injury, Liam also told Ella that she needed to find a new job too – making her jobless as well as single. And, as a loved-up Liam and Chas took their relationship to the next level last night (Wednesday, November 6) it appeared that Liam felt no regrets over his decision.
Liam’s treatment of Ella has been abysmal (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale fans predict ‘wasted’ Ella to turn ‘psycho’
As scenes between Chas and Liam aired, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the soap’s treatment of Ella – and one fan thought its star deserved better.
“Paula Lane is being completely wasted as Ella. Our Kylie was brilliant,” said one fan, referring to her past role as Kyle Platt in Coronation Street.
Meanwhile, others wondered how Ella might take the news that Liam had dumped her for Chas.
“Liam is boring when he isn’t being a dishonest wimp – Ella should kill him for the bants when she finds out she was ditched for Chas,” one viewer joked.
“Wait till Ella finds out about Liam and Chas,” warned another.
“They are so lovely! But the minute she said the sky could fall in and she wouldn’t notice… she tempted soap fate! Ella will turn psycho you just know it!” said a third.
Are Liam and Chas putting themselves in danger at the hands of spurned Ella?
After weeks of humming and ahh’ing, Liam made his choice (Credit: ITV)
Ella’s history as Liam and Chas seal the deal
Last night’s episode of the soap saw Liam and Chas grow closer as he nipped around with flowers, new clothes and a dash of aftershave. When Chas opened up to him about her vulnerability following her cancer surgery, Liam was quick to allay her fears.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Emmerdale star Paula Lane has revealed whether or not Ella Forster will be sticking around in the Dales after telling Dr Liam she is pregnant.
Next week’s spoilers show there is no baby after all and Liam flies off the handle. But without a child to bind them there is clearly no future for this couple. So why would Ella stay in town? Does that mean she’s leaving for good?
Things have been tricky for Ella, but she’s not going anywhere (Credit: ITV)
Paula Lane reveals Ella’s future on Emmerdale
Actress Paula Lane, who plays Ella, has revealed on her Instagram that this isn’t the last we’ll see of Ella. In fact, she has just signed a new contract that makes the Dales her “second home” for “the next chapter”.
Captioning an image of her in character, in hospital, just after Ella’s accident, Paula wrote: “Oh Ella…whatever next?! I can confirm a new contract signed today for moi. Very happy to be calling Emmerdale my second home for the next chapter.”
Fans and co-stars were also thrilled to hear Paula – and Ella are staying. Mandy Dingle actress Lisa Riley wrote: “Amen to this,” followed by a series of clapping and heart emojis. And given Mandy’s Ella’s only friend it’s good news that Lisa loves working with Paula so much!
Meanwhile fans added their comments: “So glad you’re staying love Ella so much,” said one. “You will bring a new era to Emmerdale….such a good actress,” wrote a second.
“Absolutely brilliant news. Glad to hear you’re staying. Can’t wait to see what else Ella will bring to the village,” agreed a third.
A fourth said: “Glad you are staying on Paula, loved your story so far and can’t wait to see it develop.”
“Glad that you are staying in Emmerdale really looking forward to seeing what Ella gets up to next,” added a fifth.
It’s not good news about the baby (Credit: ITV)
Ella’s pregnancy bombshell
After telling Liam that she is pregnant with his baby, he is ignoring her. Later this week Mandy confronts Liam and demands he start behaving better towards the future mother of his child. Liam agrees to talk to Ella – and makes her do a pregnancy test to confirm her baby claims.
However, next week it’s time for Ella to have a scan. She refuses to let Liam go with her and invites Mandy instead. But just why is she now acting so shady?
Liam does end up going after a mix-up over transport, but upset hits when the sonographer can’t find a baby. Liam immediately accuses Ella of faking her pregnancy, his mind made up she is completely unhinged. But is that really what’s going on here? Is there more to this than he realises? And will he listen if Ella tries to explain?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
