PAULA Lane has shared that she will continue to star in Emmerdale even after her character’s storyline took a dark turn.
The soap actress, 38, took on the role of Ella Forster in the ITV show this year.
She took to social media to let fans know that she has just signed another contract with Emmerdale bosses, despite wondering what is next for her character.
Paula told followers: “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.”
In shocking recent scenes, Ella revealed that she beat her friend to death when she was 11 years old.
The Dales newcomer told Cain Dingle that she had grown up with a neglectful drug dealer for a father and Joanne was the first person to ever show her kindness.
Jo’s mum June took Ella in for a while, feeding her and providing a safe place where she could experience being a normal child.
However, eventually Joanne became worried about getting bullied by her friends when they realised she was socialising with Ella, and said they had to stop spending time together.
Heartbroken and afraid of going back to her previous way of life, Ella pleaded with her, but Joanne would not change her mind.
When she finally admitted to her former murder, Ella said: “The terror of not having June, no more safety, no more love, no nothing. I just lost it.
“We ran and pushed each other, she fell over, she got up and ran again but she fell over. I was on top of her and I was banging and banging her head.
“We were both crying but then she just stopped. And it was over. Kids were all screaming. June came running from the house, and she ran to Joanne and just held her.
“She was howling like an animal. I walked home and I sat on the mattress and I waited for the police.”
Ella’s boyfriend Liam was horrified by her admission and broke up with her over it.
He lost his own daughter Leanna (Mimi Slinger) at the hands of serial killer Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu), and couldn’t get past the fact that Ella had taken somebody’s life.
Despite Paula’s character being reviled by villagers in the Dales for what she did, the actress is excited for her next chapter on the soap.
Supportive viewers flocked to the comments, with one saying: “Brilliant news. Love watching Emmerdale and we were so pleased to have met you on the star tour recently.”
Another gushed: “Absolutely brilliant news. Glad to hear you’re staying. Can’t wait to see what else Ella will bring to the village!”