Tuesday’s Coronation Street doesn’t just bring fresh prison drama for Debbie Webster; it delivers a surprise many ITV viewers won’t miss. A brand-new inmate named Paula walks onto the screen, and within seconds fans will realise they know her face very well. The storyline may centre on Debbie’s sentence, but the casting choice is what will truly floor audiences.
Paula Arrives And Fans Recognise Her Instantly
Debbie Webster’s prison storyline began after she accepted blame for son Carl Webster’s devastating crash. During her wedding to Ronnie Bailey, Carl’s lies unravelled and, while drunk, he drove off with Debbie trying to stop him. The car smashed into the Corriedale pile-up that killed Billy Mayhew, and Carl later moved unconscious Debbie behind the wheel to avoid arrest.
Despite knowing she was framed, Debbie pleaded guilty to protect him. The judge planned a four-year sentence but reduced it to two years and eight months due to her guilty plea and dementia diagnosis. Now inside, she already faces tension after being paired with former neighbour Lou Michaelis. Tuesday’s episode introduces another prisoner, Paula, who recognises Debbie immediately.
The Actress Behind Paula And Why She Looks Familiar
Paula is played by Kelli Hollis, and many soap viewers will instantly clock where they know her from. She famously played Ali Spencer in Emmerdale from 2011 to 2015. That makes her a recognisable ITV face long before stepping onto the cobbles. Her soap history doesn’t stop there. Kelli also portrayed Yvonne Karib in Channel 4’s Shameless for six years and starred as Tina Crabtree in the films Tina Goes Shopping, Tina Takes a Break and Mischief Night.
She has appeared across British television in Clink, Ackley Bridge, Dalziel and Pascoe, Waterloo Road, See No Evil and Playing the Field, explaining why viewers may feel they’ve seen her everywhere before. The familiar casting comes with a storyline twist too. Later this week, Paula forces her way into Debbie’s cell and breaks down in tears. It reveals her boyfriend has left her and is serving time for aggravated burglary.
The familiar casting comes with a storyline twist too. Later this week, Paula forces her way into Debbie’s cell and breaks down in tears. It reveals her boyfriend has left her and is serving time for aggravated burglary. Debbie tries to comfort her, but Paula’s emotional reaction leaves questions hanging over what she really wants. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers.