Paula Lane ‘forever grateful’ revisiting her controversial Corrie death
When Paula Lane looks back at her time on Coronation Street, particularly the controversial and heartbreaking death of her character Kylie Platt, she cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude, reflection, and pride in the work that defined such a pivotal chapter of her career. For fans of the long-running ITV soap, Kylie’s death remains one of the most shocking and emotional storylines of the past decade, not only because of the brutal nature of the stabbing but also because of how deeply it affected every character connected to her, especially David Platt, played by Jack P. Shepherd. At the time of its airing in 2016, the storyline stirred passionate debate among viewers; some were devastated by the choice to kill Kylie off, believing that she still had so much more potential as a character, while others praised the boldness of the writers for creating a storyline that delivered maximum emotional impact and demonstrated the devastating consequences of street violence. For Paula Lane herself, filming those final episodes was a deeply intense experience; she has often recalled how the scenes required her to dig into a raw emotional place, knowing that she was not only saying goodbye to a character she had embodied for years but also to a cast and crew who had become a second family. In revisiting those moments years later, Lane has described how she now sees the value of the choice, how it allowed her to leave the show on a high note, ensuring that Kylie’s exit would never be forgotten. She has shared that being part of such a memorable storyline was a gift, even if it was painful, because it solidified her character’s legacy within Coronation Street history and gave her an opportunity to showcase the full depth of her acting abilities. The legacy of Kylie’s death continues to resonate within the soap even today; David’s storylines, his struggles as a single father, and his journey through grief have all been shaped by that tragic moment. Lane has said she feels “forever grateful” for the chance to contribute to a piece of storytelling that had such a lasting impact, both narratively and emotionally, for the audience and for the show’s future. She also recognizes that while the decision to kill Kylie was controversial, it highlighted important issues in society, including random acts of violence and the devastation left behind for families. In interviews, she has expressed that being able to revisit the storyline now, with distance and perspective, allows her to appreciate the craft and dedication that went into every detail—from the writing and directing to the performances of her castmates, who supported her through such emotionally heavy material. For Paula Lane personally, moving on from Coronation Street allowed her to explore new projects, challenge herself in different roles, and grow as both an actress and an individual, but Kylie’s death will always remain a defining milestone in her career. Fans often approach her even now to talk about how moved they were by those scenes, how they cried watching David cradle Kylie in his arms, and how they still remember exactly where they were when they watched it unfold. That kind of impact is rare, and Lane acknowledges that not every actor gets the chance to be part of a moment that becomes etched into television history. The gratitude she feels is not only for the role but also for the connection it allowed her to build with the audience, a bond that continues long after her departure. She admits that while it was difficult at the time to let go of Kylie, especially under such tragic circumstances, she now sees that the storyline gave her closure in a way that few exits could. Instead of Kylie fading quietly from the cobbles, she left with a powerful, unforgettable final act that cemented her place in Coronation Street’s legacy. Looking back, Paula Lane reflects that the controversy was, in fact, part of what made the storyline so memorable; by dividing opinions and sparking discussions, it kept the soap relevant and emotionally charged, proving once again why Coronation Street has endured for decades. For the actress, being able to revisit that controversial death with gratitude shows her maturity and her recognition that sometimes the hardest goodbyes lead to the most meaningful legacies. Even now, when the subject comes up in interviews, she speaks with warmth about her time on the show, the friendships she made, and the incredible support from fans who still miss Kylie but appreciate the power of her exit. Paula Lane’s gratitude ultimately lies in knowing that her character mattered, that her work moved people, and that she was part of something much bigger than herself—a piece of storytelling that continues to echo through Coronation Street’s history.