Former Emmerdale star Paula Lane has opened up about how her life has dramatically "changed direction" since departing the ITV soap a year ago. The actress, 39, left her role as Ella Forster and has since embarked on a journey of personal growth, achieving a maths qualification and delving into Spanish language studies.
A Year of Transformation and New Beginnings
Paula Lane, who filmed her final scenes for Emmerdale on Valentine's Day in 2025, took to Instagram to share her reflections. She expressed excitement over the past year's milestones, including earning a maths qualification—a move some deemed "mad"—and continuing her Spanish studies. Additionally, she welcomed baby Patrick with her husband Tom Shaw, joining their children Arthur and Penny, and highlighted the growth of her business, the Lane Shaw Academy.
Inspiring Fans to Embrace Change
In her social media post, Paula emphasized that it's never too late to "change direction, try new things, and live your life." She encouraged fans to pursue new passions at any stage, sharing her enthusiasm for the upcoming spring and future opportunities. Followers flooded the comments with praise for her achievements, though some admitted missing her on-screen presence, with one noting, "Emmerdale’s loss has been your gain!"
From Soap Stardom to Personal Milestones
Paula Lane first rose to fame on Coronation Street, playing Kylie Platt for six years. Her character's dramatic storylines included marrying David Platt and a tragic death in 2016. She later joined Emmerdale as Ella Forster, a PA with a dark secret involving a childhood friend's death, culminating in her arrest for drugging a character. Reflecting on her exit from Coronation Street, Paula revealed the decision to kill off Kylie was a "shock," as she had hoped to return after maternity leave.
Balancing Family, Business, and Education
Beyond her acting career, Paula co-runs the Lane Shaw Academy with her husband and has embraced motherhood with the arrival of her third child. Her journey serves as a testament to resilience and reinvention, proving that life after soap stardom can be filled with diverse pursuits and personal fulfillment.
