In a dramatic turn of events on Thursday’s episode of Emmerdale, Ella Forster was seen leaving the GP surgery in handcuffs, escorted by police officers, following a violent attack on Wendy Posner. As she was bundled into the back of a police car, it seemed like Ella’s time in the village had come to a definitive end. But could this really be the last we see of her?

Ella, played by former Coronation Street star Paula Lane, has struggled to integrate into the village since her arrival. It was soon revealed that she had a dark past, having murdered her childhood best friend Joanne when she was just 11 years old. After serving time in prison, Ella, then known as Ruth, had attempted to start anew by changing her identity. However, her past resurfaced in shocking ways.

Thursday’s episode was particularly tough for Ella, who was already dreading her 30th birthday. Despite her friends Mandy Dingle, Rona Gosar, and Manpreet Sharma’s efforts to celebrate the milestone, Ella’s day took a turn for the worse. She discovered that a before-and-after montage featuring a childhood photo of her had been posted on social media by Amelia Spencer. To her dismay, she learned that Mandy had been the one to send Amelia the picture, which only heightened her distress.

Ella’s emotional state deteriorated further when she received a visit from a family member of Joanne. The confrontation at the Woolpack pub, where Mandy, Rona, and Manpreet had organized a birthday party complete with karaoke, pushed Ella over the edge. This mysterious visitor, who turned out to be related to Joanne, was the final straw for Ella.

In a brutal outburst witnessed by Wendy, who had stepped in to support Ella, she lashed out violently. Overwhelmed by guilt and convinced she did not deserve a fresh start, Ella struck Wendy in the face and coerced her into calling the police, ensuring her return to prison. The heartbreaking scene saw Ella being driven away in a police car, leaving the village behind.

Following her unexpected departure, reactions from fans on social media were mixed. Some expressed concern, saying, “Ella, you’re in a village of psychos and murderers—you’ll be fine there.” Others speculated on her motivations, with one fan suggesting, “I think Ella actually wants to go to prison to escape from this mess.” A third viewer remarked, “Ella has really lost it.”

Despite the shock of her departure, fans need not despair. Paula Lane, who has played the troubled character since her introduction last year, confirmed on social media that she has renewed her contract with Emmerdale. Posting a selfie with cuts and bruises in character, she wrote, “Oh Ella, what next? I can confirm a new contract signed today. Very happy to be calling Emmerdale my second home for the next chapter.” It appears that while Ella may face time behind bars, her story is far from over.