Emmerdale icon Lisa Riley ‘gutted’ as co-star leaves after just 15 months

Calli Kitson

Published April 7, 2025 8:44am Updated April 7, 2025 9:52am

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Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley has shared a sweet message to her friend and co-star following her departure.

Paula Lane’s final scenes as Ella Forster aired last week. After just over a year in the village, Ella left the Dales in the back of a police car.

It was a tragic end for the character, who has desperately wanted to live a normal life after being in prison for killing her friend when she was a child.

One element of Ella’s time in the village was building a friendship with Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley). Mandy was one of the first people Ella met at a vet gala, and she loved how Ella stood up to her horrible boss.

Following the character’s final scenes, Lisa Riley took to Instagram to share a loving message about Paula, and how much she’s going to miss her.

‘Going to miss you @paula_laney I am missing you…you have been a pure joy, and a great friend both on and off screen, since the first scene we did all that time ago’, she said.

‘You know I’m so so so gutted you are leaving, but I’m also really excited to see what’s next for you, and the amazing roles you are going to play. Especially CHEIF INSPECTOR DERRY. GOOD LUCK BABES, you are one of the absolute best. It’s been bloody ace….and such a good laugh!!!’.

Mandy sits in the salon looking worried in Emmerdale — Mandy Dingle and Ella Forster were good friends for a while (Picture: ITV)

Paula was on hand to provide a response to Lisa’s message. She wrote: ‘Aw Lisa. Thank you for being such a guiding light. I miss you all too xxx’.

Ella was accused of drugging Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) a few days ago. She protested her innocence time and time again, but no one believed her.

The character left, but then returned a few days later, adamant she could get ex Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) to listen to her.

Ella puts her hands around Liam's neck in the woods in Emmerdale — Ella left the village in the back of a police car (Picture: ITV)

Unfortunately, once Ella realised Liam was siding with Chas, she panicked and ran out of the village, into the woods.

Also aware the police were on their way, Ella continued running but was stopped by Liam. During a showdown, Ella pushed Liam and he hit his head on a rock, knocking him unconscious for a brief period.

Liam was thankfully fine, but this ordeal marked the end of Ella’s life in Emmerdale.