Emmerdale star reveals challenging role that made her feel she could ‘do anything’

Paula Lane has opened up about one of the most demanding experiences of her career, revealing how a stage role pushed her to her limits and ultimately left her feeling unstoppable.

Best known to television audiences for her appearances in Coronation Street and, more recently, Emmerdale, Paula has built a reputation as a versatile and resilient performer. But it was her time on stage, away from the fast-paced world of soap, that truly tested her endurance.

Reflecting on her experience performing at Richmond Theatre, Paula shared a candid throwback from her dressing room, admitting the role ‘stretched me more than any other.’ The production in question was Northern Broadsides’ revival of Quality Street, where she took on the role of Phoebe Throssel.

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the story covers everything from love to societal expectations. Paula’s character undergoes a striking transformation as she navigates heartbreak and reinvention, something which seems to have resonated deeply with her.

‘This character built a resilience in me I never knew I had,’ she revealed. ‘I told myself if I could get through it, I could do anything.’

The production itself was widely praised. Audiences were particularly taken with its vibrant costumes, and Paula’s performance was a standout. Yet behind the applause, there seems to have been an intense personal journey.

Paula spoke openly about the quieter struggles that come with a career in acting, particularly the periods of uncertainty between roles. ‘Even in the gaps, the going in a different direction, the silence… you have to keep believing,’ she said, offering a glimpse into the mental resilience required to sustain a career in the industry.

Her words struck a chord with fans, many of whom flooded her with supportive messages, calling her ‘beautiful’ and praising her strength and honesty. It’s a reminder that while actors often appear confident on screen and stage, their journeys are often filled with self-doubt and perseverance behind the scenes.

Paula is probably best remembered by fans for her time on Coronation Street, where she played Kylie Platt. She was right at the centre of some huge storylines and really made the role her own, especially as Kylie grew from a bit of a troublemaker into a much-loved mum on the Street. Her exit is one that people still talk about.

More recently, she popped up in Emmerdale as Ella Forster, bringing a calmer but still layered character to the Dales. It showed a different side to her acting, but proved she’s just as good at those quieter, more emotional roles as she is with the big dramatic moments.

Away from the spotlight, Paula’s life has been equally full. A Yorkshire-based mother of three, she married fellow actor Tom Shaw in 2014. The couple recently welcomed their third child, Patrick, in January 2026, shortly after Paula wrapped up her latest stint on Emmerdale, where she played Ella Forster.

Despite the demands of family life, Paula has continued to return to the stage. Most recently, she appeared in the Easter pantomime Mother Goose at Richmond Theatre in April 2026, stepping in for Helen Flanagan. Sharing the stage with seasoned performers like Darren Day and the beloved puppet character Basil Brush.