ITV/Shutterstock/Comp Emmerdale Insider Share By Carena Crawford Jul 10 2025 By Carena Crawford Jul 10 2025 Lisa Riley reunites with Emmerdale co-star three months after emotional exit The Mandy Dingle actress went for brunch! Lisa Riley Mandy Dingle Paula Lane Share By Carena Crawford Jul 10 2025 By Carena Crawford Jul 10 2025 Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle on the soap, has shared a lovely picture with her former co-star Paula Lane, three months after Paula’s departure from the Dales. The women remain firm friends following their on-screen friendship and made sure to spend some time having brunch together. Ella and Mandy were on-screen besties (Credit: ITV) Lisa Riley shares reunion photos with former Emmerdale co-star After finishing filming for the day on Wednesday (July 9), Lisa shared that she hotfooted it across Leeds to catch up with Paula, who played Ella Forster on the soap. Lisa wrote: “We have had the most gorgeous afternoon catching up, nattering forever, laughing, like we had never been apart. Love you to absolute pieces babes – thanks for the best brunch – see you very soon for more of that please.” Paula replied in the comments: “Love you beautiful. See you soon.” article continues below Read all the latest spoilers View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lisa Riley (@lisajaneriley) Followers wished them both well and told them it was a “lovely photo”. Many added it was “lovely you’ve kept in touch” and that both are “beautiful ladies”. Indeed they are! Things soured somewhat when Ella held Mandy hostage! (Credit: ITV) What happened to their characters in Emmerdale? Mandy was Ella’s only real friend. She arrived in Emmerdale in January 2024 when she saved Mandy from her perverted boss. It cost Ella her job, but Mandy befriended her and got her a job and a place to stay in the village. However after Ella started a relationship with Dr Liam Cavanagh things began to fall apart. It was revealed she was really Ruth Davies and she had killed her childhood best friend when she was a kid. After a rocky few months, Ella was forgiven and stayed in the village, even restarting her romance with Dr Cavanagh. But things soured when he admitted he was in love with Chas Dingle. Ella went a bit crazy and eventually was arrested for stalking them. The door is open (Credit: ITV) Will Paula Lane ever return to the soap as Ella? Despite her emotional and dramatic departure, the door is always open for Paula to make a comeback. This is especially as we now know Ella was framed for the stalking. In fact, John Sugden was behind it all in a bid to play the hero – because he has hero syndrome. It’s likely we’re edging closer to John being exposed, so if Ella is vindicated, could she make a triumphant return? We hope so, she really had so much more potential as a character! Paula Lane has also said “never say never” in response to comeback questions. So watch this space! Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share this: Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) Good to Know Share By Carena Crawford Jul 10 2025 By Carena Crawford Jul 10 2025
