Emmerdale star Paula Lane has said that her character Ella is in for an "incredibly painful" time now that her secret is out.
Since arriving in the village earlier this year, Ella's personal life and her past have been shrouded in mystery - and she has either changed the subject or made a speedy exit every time such topics have been raised.
Last week she was seen mourning for an elderly woman called June, who died after a battle with dementia, and subsequently attended her funeral.
Ella was alarmed when Liam (Jonny McPherson) suddenly showed up - and after June's nephew branded Ella a "child killer", she had no choice but to reveal the truth that when she was younger, she killed her best friend Joanne and June was Joanne's mother.
"Ella is so ashamed of her past and she knows that as soon as she reveals all she risks losing everything with Liam," Lane explained.
"Every time the truth has come out in the past, she has had to move on and start again, so it's incredibly painful to share and know that there is no going back now.
"I guess she feels he deserves the truth, especially with everything he went through with Leanna."
She continued: "It's a heaviness she carries all the time in the back of her mind. Pretending to carry on as normal is a short-term fix, and behind closed doors the guilt is very real.
"Every birthday is a reminder of what happened and will never allow her to fully move on."
Emmerdale continues weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Follow us on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole Low-Price Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £22 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends 31st July 2024
