Coronation Street star Jane Danson has said she 'misses' her former co-star as she announced her latest role. The actress, who plays Leanne Battersby in the ITV soap, was reacting to the news from Paula Lane who is set to join the cast of Emmerdale.
Paula is probably best known for playing Kylie Platt in Corrie and was part of a tragic exit seven years ago. In 2016, David Platt had to say a heartbreaking goodbye to Kylie following a tragic stabbing on the street. Kylie had just announced her family's plans to move to Barbados to live with her sister, Becky, after she killed ex Callum Logan as he was attacking sister-in-law Sarah.
But before she left the cobbles, she noticed her friend Gemma Winter being assaulted by the teenage Clayton Hibbs, a former acquaintance of Callum and the son of David's now-wife Shona. Kylie ran over to help Gemma but was horrifyingly stabbed in the chest by Clayton who fled the scene.
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David found her bleeding on the street and held her as she clung to life. David promised everything would be fine but Kylie tragically died in his arms before the ambulance could arrive, leading to a permanent exit for both Kyle and actress Paula.
But seven years on and soap viewers are going to have to get used to seeing Paula as a brand new character - this time in the Dales. She is due to make her debut on-screen in the fictional Yorkshire village in January as the compassionate and caring Ella Forster.
Ella soon finds herself out of a job when she sticks up for Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) who’s attending a Veterinary Ball with her partner Paddy. Far from a pushover, luck is soon to come Ella’s way when a chance encounter with Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) opens up an opportunity. And it’s not long before Ella is turning heads in the village.
Sharing the news on social media, Paul said alongside the first photo of herself in the Christmas-ready fictional Yorkshire village: "It's official! The Woolpack is my new local and I couldn't be happier. Thank you all for your warmest wishes and messages. I can't wait to bring Ella to your screens and help create some telly magic @emmerdale @itv."
And Jane was among the first to respond, sharing a string of red heart emojis before writing: "Congratulations. We miss you but absolutely thrilled for you Paula - exciting." Former on-screen husband Jack P Shepherd also said: "Excellent news." Beth Tinker actress Lisa George replied: "Fabulous."
Samia Longchambon, who plays Corrie's Maria Windass, said: "Great news!" Kirk Sutherland actor Andy Whyment also shared: "Congratulations Paula you’ll smash it I’m sure." While her new Emmerdale co-stars and fans also rushed to respond to the exciting news.
