Former Emmerdale star Kelli Hollis has broken her silence about the dramatic circumstances surrounding her exit from the hit ITV soap, revealing how a serious on-set injury ultimately led to her character's departure.
Hollis, who portrayed the formidable DS Donna Windsor from 2012 to 2014, disclosed that producers were forced to completely rewrite her storyline after she suffered a debilitating injury during filming.
The Injury That Changed Everything
"I actually got injured on set and I couldn't walk," Hollis revealed in a candid interview. The actress explained that the physical limitations caused by her injury made it impossible to continue with the action-packed scenes originally planned for her police officer character.
"They had to rewrite the storyline for me because I couldn't do any of the running around or physical stuff they'd planned," she added, highlighting how real-life circumstances can dramatically alter television narratives.
A Character Cut Short
Hollis expressed her disappointment at not being able to fully explore her character's potential, particularly given the dramatic exit that was eventually written for DS Windsor. In a shocking turn of events, the character was killed off when a storm surge swept her out to sea - a dramatic departure that fans still remember.
"It's a shame because I loved playing Donna," Hollis reflected. "She was a strong, interesting character with so much more story to tell."
Life After Emmerdale
Since leaving the Dales, Hollis has continued her acting career while also venturing into new territory. The actress now runs a successful dog grooming business alongside her television work, demonstrating the diverse career paths many actors pursue between roles.
Her revelation provides fascinating insight into the unpredictable nature of television production and how behind-the-scenes events can shape the stories millions of viewers watch each week.
Hollis's story serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on actors, even in dramatic roles that might not initially appear physically strenuous.
