Emmerdale viewers were left surprised when they discovered the real-life husband of actress Paula Lane, who plays Ella Forster in the ITV soap.
While Paula has made a lasting impression on the show with her gripping storyline,
her off-screen romance with a familiar face from the soap world has sparked fresh interest among fans.
Paula Lane’s Journey in Emmerdale
Paula Lane joined Emmerdale in 2024 as Ella Forster, a character with a deeply hidden past.
At first, Ella seemed to be an ordinary newcomer, settling into life in the Dales and forming a bond with Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley).
She even developed a romantic connection with local GP Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson), though their relationship eventually fizzled out.
However, Ella’s shocking secret was later revealed—she had been convicted of murder at just 11 years old. Having taken the life of her childhood best friend, Ella (now living under the name Ruth) had spent years moving from place to place, trying to escape her past. Her dark backstory sent shockwaves through the village and among Emmerdale fans, solidifying Paula’s place in the soap with a gripping and emotional storyline.
Paula Lane’s Iconic Coronation Street Role
Before stepping into the world of Emmerdale, Paula was best known for her role as Kylie Platt on Coronation Street. From 2010 to 2016, she portrayed the rebellious half-sister of Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly) and the wife of David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd). Her character was at the center of many explosive storylines, including struggles with addiction, family feuds, and personal redemption.
Kylie Platt’s time on Coronation Street came to a heartbreaking end in 2016 when she was tragically killed in a stabbing incident. Her emotional exit left fans devastated, marking one of the soap’s most memorable goodbyes.
Paula’s Real-Life Love Story with Tom Shaw
While Paula’s on-screen dramas have captivated audiences, her personal life has now caught the attention of Emmerdale fans. Many were surprised to learn that she is married to fellow actor Tom Shaw, who has also appeared in both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
Paula and Tom’s love story dates back to their teenage years. The couple met while studying at Huddersfield Tech and soon became childhood sweethearts. After years of being together, they tied the knot in May 2014 at Leeds Cathedral in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends.
Family Life with Two Children
Not long after their wedding, Paula and Tom welcomed their first child, Arthur, in December 2014. Their family grew again in July 2016 with the arrival of their daughter, Penny Grace. Despite their busy acting careers, the couple has embraced parenthood while continuing to make waves in the entertainment industry.
Tom Shaw’s Acting Career
Like his wife, Tom Shaw has made a name for himself in the soap world. He is best recognized for playing Kim Vaughan in Coronation Street from 2017 to 2018. His character had ties to Fiz Brown (Jennie McAlpine) due to their shared history in a care home.
In addition to his stint on Corrie, Tom has appeared in Emmerdale, where Paula is currently starring. Between 2014 and 2019, he played Craig Bishop, a local police officer, making sporadic appearances across eight episodes. His involvement in both long-running soaps has made him a recognizable face among dedicated viewers.
Fans React to the Surprise Connection
When news of Paula and Tom’s marriage resurfaced, Emmerdale fans were quick to react. A social media post featuring the couple sparked a flurry of comments, with many expressing their surprise.
Some fans reminisced about Tom’s past roles, with one commenting, “He was in Emmerdale years ago and Coronation Street.” Another added, “I thought I recognised him!” while others admitted they had no idea the two actors were married.
A Soap Power Couple
With both Paula Lane and Tom Shaw having made their mark on British soaps, they have established themselves as a true soap power couple. While Paula is currently making waves in Emmerdale, fans will be eager to see if Tom will return to the soap world in the future.
As Ella Forster’s storyline continues to unfold, Paula’s gripping performance ensures that she remains one of Emmerdale’s most talked-about characters. Meanwhile, her real-life romance with Tom has only added to the intrigue surrounding her life both on and off-screen.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
