Paula joined the ITV and streaming service ITVX soap last year, and while she’s currently off-screen following recent story revelations, she’ll be back soon.

Yesterday, Paula shared a photo of herself alongside Mandy Dingle actor Lisa Riley on set to her Instagram page. “All that glitters @emmerdale village #today,” she wrote in the caption.

Ella joined the village with a major secret, which was eventually revealed to be that she is a child killer, and took the life of her friend in a rage on her 11th birthday. She said she’s done her time, but the villagers aren’t so keen on accepting that.

“In a conversation with Mandy, Ella says she always had to run when the truth has been exposed,” Paula said.

“I expect she’s experienced this reaction quite a few times and then has found herself living out of her car again.

“Mandy and Ella from day one found something in each other that just sparked. I think because the two have admitted they both have dark pasts and haven’t made the best choices in life, there is a real empathy there and protective nature for each other.”

Unfortunately, it isn’t just the villagers who can’t look beyond what Ella did years ago, as Paula admits that Ella finds it impossible to truly forget what she did.

“Ella’s secret is a heaviness she carries all the time in the back of her mind. Pretending to carry on as normal is a short-term fix and behind closed doors, the guilt is very real,” she said.

“Every birthday is a reminder of what happened and will never allow her to fully move on.”