Former Emmerdale star Paula Lane has shared a sweet family announcement on social media.
The star joined the ITV soap as Ella Forster in January 2024 before departing in April of this year, and has revealed today on Instagram that she’s expecting a baby with husband Tom Shaw.
In the post, Lane shared an ultrasound scan of her baby with two cards, reading “Best Big Sister” and “Best Big Brother”, before writing in the caption: “Some special news to share from us. Christmas just got a bit more magical. Our baby boy due December 2025.”
The pair tied the knot in 2014 after a long-term relationship, before welcoming a son and daughter in subsequent years. Lane and Shaw have also appeared separately on fellow ITV soap Coronation Street, playing Kylie Platt and Kim Vaughan respectively.
Lane’s followers and fellow soap stars rushed to the comments section to congratulate her family on the new arrival, with Aaron Dingle actor Danny Miller writing: “Congratulations guys.”
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Lisa Riley, who portrays Mandy Dingle, also commented, writing: “CONGRATULATIONS. HOORAY!!! Now I can tell everyone. So much love to you Tom and the children can’t wait for Christmas cuddles xxxx.”
Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor on Corrie, sent her own message of congratulations, while Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick – who plays Vanessa Woodfield – wrote: “Best news! Massive congratulations to you all! So exciting.”
“Congratulations, lovely lovely news x x x” said former Emmerdale star Natalie Ann Jamieson, while ex-Hollyoaks actor Sophie Austin commented: “Can I shout about this now and I promise I won’t keep crying ❤️”
Related: Emmerdale revenge plot begins as Ross and Manpreet are caught out
Lane left the Dales when her character Ella was taken away by the police after she confessed to drugging Chas Dingle, with the figure nearly killing former flame Liam Cavanagh during a confrontation in the woods.
The actor left the door open on a possible return to the soap, however, saying in a video: “[Ella] is a brilliant character and, you know, never say never. Who knows?”
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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