Paula Lane has delighted fans by announcing she is expecting her third child with husband Tom Shaw. The former Coronation Street actress revealed the wonderful news on Instagram today, sharing that she is expecting a baby boy in December 2025.
Instagram Announcement Creates Excitement
Paula Lane shared her pregnancy announcement with a heartwarming Instagram post this morning. The 39-year-old actress posted a scan picture alongside cards reading “best big sister” and “best big brother.” Her caption read: “Christmas just got a bit more magical. Our baby boy due December 2025.”
The pregnancy news has already attracted thousands of congratulations from fellow soap stars and fans. Emmerdale colleague Lisa Riley wrote: “CONGRATULATIONS HOORAY!!! Now I can tell everyone. So much love to you Tom and the children.”
Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon also shared her excitement, commenting: “Ah congratulations to you all Paula!” Fellow actor Danny Miller added his own congratulations to the growing list of well-wishers.
Growing Family with Tom Shaw
Paula Lane already shares two children with her husband Tom Shaw, whom she married in 2014. Their son Arthur was born in December 2014, followed by daughter Penny in 2016.
The couple met whilst both were training as actors in London. Tom graduated from LAMDA in 2008, the same year Paula completed her studies at Central School of Speech and Drama.
Paula Lane previously described becoming a mother as her greatest achievement. She took extended breaks from acting after both previous pregnancies to focus on family life. This third baby will complete their happy household.
Coronation Street Legacy as Kylie Platt
Paula Lane gained national recognition playing Kylie Platt on Coronation Street from 2010 to 2016. Her character became one of the soap’s most popular residents during her six-year stint on the cobbles.
Kylie’s dramatic storylines included selling her son Max, marrying David Platt, and numerous explosive feuds. The character’s tragic death in 2016 left viewers devastated when she was stabbed by villain Clayton Hibbs.
Paula Lane announced her departure from Coronation Street during her second pregnancy. She chose not to return after maternity leave, with producers creating Kylie’s shocking death storyline. Her final scenes attracted millions of viewers.
Recent Emmerdale Journey
Paula Lane joined Emmerdale in January 2024 as mysterious newcomer Ella Forster. The character quickly integrated into village life, forming friendships and developing a romance with Liam Cavanagh.
However, speculation mounted about Ella’s departure when Lane’s Spotlight page indicated filming would end in February 2025. Fans noticed she had unfollowed Emmerdale’s social media accounts, fuelling exit rumours.
Recent developments suggest Paula Lane may be staying longer than initially planned. Her Spotlight page no longer shows an end date, and she recently refollowed Emmerdale’s official Instagram account.
Acting Career Beyond Soap Operas
Paula Lane has maintained an impressive career spanning television, film, and theatre. Her early television appearances included Heartbeat, The Royal, and Call the Midwife.
She also featured in Terry Pratchett’s Going Postal adaptation and various stage productions. Recent theatre work includes performances at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre and the Oldham Coliseum.
Paula Lane has consistently chosen projects that challenge her acting abilities. She deliberately seeks roles that differ from her soap characters to demonstrate her versatility as a performer.
Yorkshire Roots and Local Connections
Paula Lane was born in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, maintaining strong connections to her northern roots. She attended Halifax Catholic High School before studying at Huddersfield Technical College.
Her Yorkshire background helped her secure both Coronation Street and Emmerdale roles. She felt particularly comfortable joining Emmerdale because of her authentic Yorkshire connections and accent.
The actress often speaks fondly about Yorkshire’s supportive creative community. Paula Lane believes her northern upbringing provides authenticity to her soap opera performances.
Balancing Motherhood and Acting
Paula Lane has always prioritised family life alongside her successful acting career. She returned to Coronation Street just three months after Arthur’s birth, demonstrating her dedication to both roles.
The actress previously described the challenges of balancing motherhood with demanding soap schedules. She credits husband Tom’s support for enabling her continued acting success whilst raising their children.
Paula Lane plans to continue working throughout this pregnancy, following medical advice and production schedules. Her Emmerdale role allows flexibility for appointments and gradual reduction of filming commitments.
Fan Reactions and Industry Support
Social media exploded with congratulations following Paula Lane’s pregnancy announcement. Fans praised her for sharing such personal news and expressed excitement about the Christmas baby timing.
Former Coronation Street colleagues continue supporting her career moves and personal milestones. The soap community maintains strong bonds long after actors leave their respective shows.
Paula Lane has consistently received positive fan reactions throughout her career changes. Supporters appreciate her authenticity and dedication to both professional and personal commitments.
Future Projects and Maternity Plans
Paula Lane has not announced specific maternity leave plans from Emmerdale. Production companies typically accommodate pregnant actresses through storyline adjustments and scheduling flexibility.
Her December due date allows several months of filming before potential maternity leave. Emmerdale writers could develop Ella’s storylines to accommodate any temporary absence if required.
Paula Lane previously expressed interest in producing projects through her own company. This third pregnancy might provide opportunities to develop behind-the-camera work whilst maintaining industry connections.
Christmas Baby Excitement
Paula Lane described Christmas 2025 as becoming “more magical” with their baby boy’s expected arrival. The timing adds special significance to their family celebrations and holiday traditions.
The couple’s older children, Arthur and Penny, are reportedly excited about becoming big siblings. Paula Lane has always emphasised the importance of family unity and sibling relationships.
This Christmas baby will complete their family unit just as Paula celebrates another successful year in television. The timing seems perfect for starting their next chapter together.
Paula Lane continues balancing her thriving acting career with expanding family commitments. Her third pregnancy announcement demonstrates how successfully she manages both professional achievements and personal happiness in the public eye.
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