EMMERDALE fans think one of the show’s stars has secretly quit earlier than expected after ‘disappearing’ from screens.
Viewers of the ITV soap opera have become increasingly intrigued as to the whereabouts of Ella Forster, played by Paula Lane.
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The character arrived in the Dales over a year ago and since then has had very little storylines and screen time.
Fans have seen her get a job in the local surgery and little else over the past few months.
It was revealed last year that the actress had quit the role and would soon be leaving the programme.
But now fans think her exit has already occurred without any on-screen mention after her episode count continued to dwindle.
The last time she was seen was when her private information was exposed across the local newspaper after being leaked by Wendy Posner.
Writing online, one baffled Emmerdale viewer said: “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 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.”
A third went on to write: “She’s really good it’s a shame they didn’t use her much.”
Before a fourth said: “Not yet, she’s just absent. She’s been horrifically wasted by the ‘writers’.”
Paula first appeared to confirm she had quit the show when she updated her professional Spotlight account to confirm she would cease filming on the soap opera in February 2025 after 16 months in the role.
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This suggests that Paula will remain on screens until at least late March.
The actress is originally from Hebden Bridge, and graduated drama school in 2008 before landing her first TV role.
Prior to landing her role in Emmerdale, Lane has also had roles in BBC’s Call The Midwife, ITV medical drama The Royal, and ITV’s Heartbeat.
