Ella Hart (also Macey) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Emmerdale, played by Corrinne Wicks. She made her first on-screen appearance on 17 November 2010. Ella is a businesswoman who is described as "sexy and savvy". She is the ex-wife of Declan Macey (Jason Merrells) and mother of Mia (Sapphire Elia). Wicks left Emmerdale in 2011, and departed on 25 August. Character creation and casting In September 2010, it was announced that a new family would be introduced to Emmerdale, following the departure of the established Wylde family. It was revealed that the family would be that of established character Declan Macey (Jason Merrells), who first appeared in the soap in April 2010. Former Doctors actress Corrinne Wicks was cast in the role of Ella Hart, the ex-wife of Declan. Sapphire Elia was cast in the role of Mia Macey, Declan and Ella's daughter, whilst Frank Kelly was cast in the role of Dermot, Declan's father. Of her casting, Wicks commented: "I'm so thrilled to be joining the fantastic cast of Emmerdale, Ella is going to be great fun. She's feisty and glamorous with a no-nonsense attitude. I can't wait to get started as the Maceys make their mark on the Dales." Of the family, Emmerdale series producer Gavin Blyth added: "I'm so pleased to be welcoming three superb actors to our cast at this exciting time. The Maceys are glamorous and dynamic, and their move to the big house signals a new era at Home Farm which will see them firmly at the centre of some of our most compelling storylines." Ella is a businesswoman who runs a "lucrative" chain of nail bars in Singapore and is described as "sexy and savvy". In an interview with Sunday Mercury, Wicks described Ella as "passionate, no-nonsense, funny and likeable". Discussing Ella's relationship with Declan, she stated: "It is a love-hate relationship. They have stayed in constant contact, particularly because of their daughter. Declan has been over to Singapore because Mia has a motorbike accident and I think seeing each other has sparked something between them again. Ella wants to pursue it. She's going to fight for her man. There is a lot of feeling between them. There is an irresistible pull but they drive each other mad." On 22 May 2011, it was announced that Wicks is to leave Emmerdale at the end of her contract. Storylines