Emmerdale fans 'didn't see that coming' as beloved star is assaulted in shocking scenes

Emmerdale fans were left gobsmacked as a beloved villager was assaulted in shocking scenes.

Ella Forster, played by Paula Lane, made her debut earlier this year - but it was clear she was hiding a huge secret. And in typical soap fashion, her major bombshell was eventually revealed.

When Ella was 11-years-old, she killed her best friend and was sent to prison for the crime. After getting released Ella, who was previously known as Ruth - has since spent the rest of her life, moving around the country.

Arriving at the Dales in January, Ella hoped she could finally settle down especially as she struck up a romance with GP Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson).

However, when he found out about her being a child killer, Liam called it quits, unable to deal with it, following the murder of his own daughter Leanna (Mimi Slinger).

As a result, Ella fled the village back in June, but she made her dramatic comeback recently and has since settled into the village, becoming good pals with Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley).

And during Thursday’s episode (August 22) Mandy decided to throw Ella a party for her birthday. Despite being hesitant at first, Ella eventually joined in with the celebrations.

But in a shock twist, a mysterious man arrived at the pub - leaving Ella shaken. The man was a relative to the child Ella murdered - and hit out at her in front of everyone.

Ella eventually stormed out, and was overcome with emotion, adamant that she deserved to go back to prison, thinking she will never be able to start over again.

After noticing an emotional Ella, nurse Wendy Posner (Susan Cookson) consoled her and took her into the surgery. But in a shocking turn of events, Ella attacked Wendy, slapping her and ripping apart the room.

Enraged,