Emmerdale’s Jonny McPherson confirms end for Liam and Ella

Amid mounting suspicion over her secrecy and strange behaviour, Ella confessed that she’d killed her only friend, Joanne, when she was 11 years old.

Ella spent many years locked away for her crime, but was ultimately released and given a new identity after experts deemed her to no longer be a threat to the public.

Related: Emmerdale star Paula Lane confirms Ella Forster’s ally in dark storyline

Liam, who has been dating Ella in recent weeks, was traumatised by the disturbing revelations. Ella’s confessions brought back memories of losing his teenage daughter Leanna as part of Meena Jutla’s killing spree in 2021.

Speaking about the storyline, Jonny commented: “Liam is absolutely devastated. I think it’s multifaceted in that he had trusted Ella, he had taken her in when she was homeless, but the main thing is the fact that she did what she did – as it relates so much to his daughter having been murdered all those years ago. So it is a double betrayal.

“Ella’s confession and her story has brought Leanna’s death all back for him. He can’t believe she has lived in his house whilst guarding that secret given she knew what had happened to Leanna. He did love Ella, but this betrayal is a big thing for him.”

Asked whether Liam and Ella can move forward, Jonny replied: “I think this relationship is now almost definitely cooked! I mean, never say never, but I would say it’s almost definitely it. I don’t think there is any coming back from it.

Related: Emmerdale star Ash Palmisciano reveals aftermath of shock stabbing plot

“On multiple occasions, Ella could have told him the truth. She had so many chances to open up and tell him about her past but she didn’t.

“And just the fact she moved into his house and they were actually cohabiting. He was living at such a close proximity to someone who had killed somebody’s daughter. So many layers of lies. He feels utterly betrayed and very upset.”

Jonny also suggested that Ella may have to leave her job working alongside Liam at the GP surgery, describing the situation as “untenable”.

On working with Paula Lane, who plays Ella, Jonny added: “She is wonderful. And as she spent six years on Corrie, she is impeccably professional. She’s great company too. She is just a brilliant actress.

“The recent monologue she recorded, she nailed it. I watched it in the AD office just before I went home. I was choked up watching her performance. It was a masterclass.”

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

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