3 theories on how Ella will leave Emmerdale as Paula Lane is reportedly exiting the soap

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.

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?

Many fans have predicted her violent side will be shown on screen sometime soon. Some even believing she will set fire to the Woolpack with both Liam and Chas in it.

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.”

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.

3. Emmerdale’s Ella to die?

Could we see Ella’s attempt at revenge fail, and she herself ends up in the crossfire?

We know Ella’s stalking of Liam has intensified over the last few weeks, leading to her finding out about him and Chas. But if she sets out for revenge without thinking things through, it could backfire on her.

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.

Whatever way she leaves the village, fans all agree that it’s a shame that actress Paula Lane wasn’t given more to work with.

Read more: Charity Dingle’s 11 best moments

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.

Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3. 

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