Paula Lane is a critically acclaimed British actress most recognized for her iconic six-year tenure as Kylie Platt on the ITV soap opera Coronation Street and her recent leading role as Ella Forster in Emmerdale. Born on April 17, 1986, in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, Lane’s career has spanned high-profile television dramas, professional stage tours, and short films. Since her professional debut in 2008, she has earned numerous accolades, including a TV Choice Award for Best Soap Newcomer and multiple nominations at the National Television Awards. As of January 2026, Lane has recently made headlines for the birth of her third child and the dramatic conclusion of her storyline in the Yorkshire Dales, cementing her status as a versatile powerhouse in the British entertainment industry.
Early Life and Acting Foundations
Before her name became synonymous with “Weatherfield,” Paula Lane was a dedicated student of the performing arts in West Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Roots and Education
Lane grew up in Hebden Bridge, near Halifax. She attended Halifax Catholic High School and later Huddersfield Technical College, where she met her long-term partner and fellow actor, Tom Shaw. Her formal training began at the age of 19 when she was accepted into the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She graduated in 2008 with a First-Class Honours degree in Acting, a distinction that quickly led to her first professional television role in the 1960s-set drama Heartbeat.
Professional Television Debut
Shortly after finishing drama school, Lane was cast as a teacher named Wendy Kelshaw in the Heartbeat episode “School of Hard Knocks.” This initial success was followed by appearances in other popular British series, including the medical drama The Royal and the BBC daytime soap Doctors. These early roles showcased her ability to adapt to both period pieces and modern drama, setting the stage for her breakthrough in 2010.
The Coronation Street Legacy: Kylie Platt
From 2010 to 2016, Paula Lane portrayed one of the most complex “villains turned heroes” in soap history.
Introduction as Becky’s Sister
Kylie Platt arrived on the cobbles as the troubled half-sister of established favorite Becky McDonald. Initially a manipulative character who famously sold her son, Max, to her sister for £20,000, Kylie underwent a profound transformation. Under Lane’s nuanced performance, she evolved into a fierce matriarch and one-half of the popular “David and Kylie” duo alongside Jack P. Shepherd.
The Historic 2016 Exit
Kylie’s departure remains one of the most-watched and heart-wrenching exits in Coronation Street history. On July 15, 2016, Kylie was murdered by Clayton Hibbs while trying to protect her friend Gemma Winter. The character died in her husband David’s arms on the cobbles, a performance that earned Lane widespread critical acclaim and a flurry of “Best Actress” nominations across major soap awards.
A New Era in the Dales: Ella Forster
After an eight-year hiatus from regular soap roles, Lane made a triumphant return to the genre in early 2024.
Arrival as a “Caring” Newcomer
Lane joined the cast of Emmerdale in January 2024, playing Ella Forster. Initially introduced as a compassionate receptionist who stood up for Mandy Dingle at a Veterinary Ball, Ella quickly became a central figure in the village, embarking on a romance with local GP Dr. Liam Cavanagh.
The Dark Past Revelation
The character’s “good girl” exterior was eventually shattered by a shocking revelation: Ella had killed her best friend when she was just 11 years old. This dark backstory fueled intense storylines throughout late 2024 and early 2025. By April 2025, after a series of dramatic confrontations and a false pregnancy claim, Ella was arrested and taken into custody, marking the character’s exit from the series.
Stage Career and Versatility
Beyond the small screen, Paula Lane has maintained a robust presence in the theater world.
- Kinky Boots: Lane starred as Lauren in the major UK tour of the hit musical Kinky Boots, showcasing her singing and comedic range.
- Be More Martyn: She played the role of Rachel in the Hope Mill Theatre production honoring the life of Martyn Hett.
- Road: In 2022, she appeared in the play Road at the Oldham Coliseum, a multi-role performance that earned her praise for her physical and vocal versatility.
- Call the Midwife: Lane transitioned back to television for a guest role as Vera Sands in the BBC’s Call the Midwife (2021), where she famously worked with Barbara Windsor to perfect her Cockney accent.
Practical Information and Recent News
For those following Paula Lane’s career and personal milestones as of 2026, here are the latest factual details.
- Born: April 17, 1986 (Age 39)
- Latest Project: Announcement of the birth of her third child, Patrick, in January 2026.
- Family Life: Married to actor Tom Shaw since May 2014. They share three children: Arthur, Penny, and Patrick.
- The Lane Shaw Academy: Paula and her husband run their own drama school, providing training for the next generation of Yorkshire talent.
- Current Status: Following her 2025 exit from Emmerdale, Lane is currently focusing on family life and her academy, while remaining active in the acting circuit for theater and film projects.
The Artistic Legacy of the Lane Shaw Academy
Beyond her own performances, Paula Lane’s most enduring contribution to the arts may be the Lane Shaw Academy, which she co-founded with her husband, actor Tom Shaw.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Based in Hebden Bridge, the academy provides specialized drama workshops for children and teenagers, divided into “Acts” based on age groups. Lane and Shaw utilize their combined two decades of industry experience to teach everything from script analysis to screen acting techniques. The academy has already seen significant success, with alumni such as Isabel Hinchcliffe gaining places at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama—Paula’s own alma mater—and others appearing in local and national professional productions.
Focus on Community and Resilience
A core pillar of the Lane Shaw legacy is its focus on mental resilience. Lane has frequently stated that the academy’s mission is not just to produce actors, but to build confidence in young people. This community-first approach was particularly evident during the 2020 lockdowns, when the academy pivoted to online workshops to maintain a support network for its students, a move that solidified its reputation as a vital cultural hub in Yorkshire.
Top 5 Kylie Platt Storylines: A Retrospective
To understand why Paula Lane remains one of the most respected soap actresses of the 2010s, one must look at the “big issue” storylines that defined her tenure as Kylie Platt.
Selling Max (2010)
In one of the most controversial debuts in soap history, Kylie sold her biological son, Max, to her half-sister Becky for £20,000. This plot highlighted Kylie’s initial desperation and greed, but it also provided the foundation for a six-year redemption arc that saw her become a devoted, fiercely protective mother.
The Paternity Scandal (2013)
Kylie’s one-night stand with her husband’s brother, Nick Tilsley, led to a high-stakes “Who’s the Daddy?” storyline following the birth of her daughter, Lily. The emotional fallout—which included David discovering the truth and nearly killing Nick in a car crash—showcased Lane’s ability to handle intense, domestic drama alongside heavyweights like Jack P. Shepherd and Helen Worth.
Prescription Drug Addiction (2014)
When Max was diagnosed with ADHD, Kylie began taking his medication to cope with the stresses of her own life. This gritty portrayal of “medication theft” and addiction led to her temporary exit from the street, earning Lane praise for her realistic and sensitive depiction of the downward spiral of a struggling parent.
The Murder of Callum Logan (2015)
During Coronation Street’s high-octane live episode, Kylie killed her drug-dealer ex, Callum Logan, to save her sister-in-law Sarah. The subsequent “body under the floorboards” plot dominated the soap for months, proving Kylie was the true “iron lady” of the Platt family as she managed to keep the secret while others crumbled under the pressure.
The Death on the Cobbles (2016)
Kylie’s final moments remain an all-time soap classic. After being stabbed by Clayton Hibbs, she died in David’s arms outside the kebab shop. The raw, unscripted-feeling emotion of the scene was so powerful that it is still frequently used in “Best of Corrie” montages as of 2026.
2026 Career Outlook and Recent News
Paula Lane enters 2026 as a veteran of the industry who is successfully balancing motherhood with behind-the-scenes leadership.
The Birth of Patrick (January 2026)
In early January 2026, Paula and Tom Shaw welcomed their third child, a son named Patrick. Lane shared the news via social media, describing the newborn as “so longed for” and the piece that “completes” their family. This personal milestone follows her high-profile exit from Emmerdale in 2025, allowing her to take a planned hiatus from full-time filming.
Executive Producer Debut
In a move toward the production side of the industry, Lane signed on as an Executive Producer for the short film Holly & Ivy in late 2025. The project is notable for providing work experience to young performers, bridging the gap between her work at the Lane Shaw Academy and professional film sets. This transition suggests that while her days on the soap cobbles may be over, her influence on the screen is only expanding.
FAQs
What is the address of the Lane Shaw Academy?
The academy primarily operates out of Hebden Bridge Town Hall in West Yorkshire for its Saturday workshops.
Can adults join the Lane Shaw Academy?
The academy currently focuses on three “Acts” for young people: Act 1 (5–8), Act 2 (9–11), and Act 3 (12–17), though they occasionally offer one-to-one coaching for older students.
Did Paula Lane really sing in Kinky Boots?
Yes, Paula played the role of Lauren in the UK tour, performing several musical numbers and receiving rave reviews for her comedic timing and vocal ability.
Who killed Kylie Platt?
She was killed by Clayton Hibbs, the brother of Shona Ramsey, who later became David Platt’s second wife.
Has Paula Lane written a book?
While she hasn’t released a memoir, she frequently writes about acting and education for industry blogs and academy newsletters.
What is Paula Lane’s favorite role?
She often speaks of Kylie Platt with the most affection due to the character’s growth, but has cited her stage role in Quality Street as a particular career highlight.
Is Paula Lane’s husband still acting?
Yes, Tom Shaw remains a working actor, recently appearing in the BBC medical drama Casualty and running the academy alongside Paula.
Did Paula Lane win a British Soap Award?
She received multiple nominations, including Best Actress and Best Exit, and famously won the Best Newcomer award early in her career.
Was Kylie Platt in Coronation Street for 6 years?
Yes, she appeared from August 2010 until July 2016, with two breaks for maternity leave during that period.
What is Paula Lane doing now in 2026?
As of late January 2026, she is on maternity leave following the birth of her son Patrick and continues to oversee the Lane Shaw Academy and executive produce film projects.
When did Paula Lane leave Coronation Street?
Paula Lane’s final episode as Kylie Platt aired on July 20, 2016, after her character was fatally stabbed on July 15.
Who is Paula Lane playing in Emmerdale?
As of early 2024 to April 2025, she played Ella Forster, a receptionist with a hidden criminal past involving a childhood murder.
Is Paula Lane still in Emmerdale as of 2026?
No, Paula Lane finished filming her final scenes as Ella Forster in February 2025, and the character’s final on-screen appearance aired in April 2025.
How many children does Paula Lane have?
As of January 2026, Paula Lane has three children: Arthur (born 2014), Penny (born 2016), and Patrick (born January 2026).
Who is Paula Lane’s husband?
She is married to Tom Shaw, an actor who has also appeared in Coronation Street (as Kim Vaughan) and Emmerdale (as PC Craig Bishop).
What awards has Paula Lane won?
She won the TV Choice Award for Best Soap Newcomer in 2011 and has been nominated for several National Television Awards and British Soap Awards.
Where did Paula Lane train?
She trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, graduating in 2008.
Did Paula Lane have a role in Call the Midwife?
Yes, she played Vera Sands in a 2021 episode of Call the Midwife.
What is the name of Paula Lane’s drama school?
She co-founded and runs the Lane Shaw Academy with her husband, Tom Shaw.
Has Paula Lane’s son been in any movies?
Yes, her son Arthur appeared alongside Matt Smith in the 2024 film Starve Acre.
Why did Kylie Platt die in Coronation Street?
Kylie died after being stabbed by Clayton Hibbs outside the kebab shop while she was defending her friend Gemma Winter.
Can I see Paula Lane on stage in 2026?
Currently, there are no announced 2026 stage dates, as she recently announced the birth of her son, Patrick, in early January.
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