I do agree, Daniella isn't half the looker she was. She's 36. Compare her with Patsy Palmer (37), Laurie Brett (39) and Diane Parish (40), and she doesn't even begin to compare. Doesn't stop her being a decent actress, of course (or not, depending on your PoV), but I don't think it's going to work if the EE producers want her to be the sassy siren she once was.
Ronknot, I take it the lad you're talking about is the one who plays Jay Brown? His name's Jamie Borthwick, and I do agree with you, he is one extremely talented young actor who, if he's properly looked after, should have a great future ahead of him.
Then again, I've long thought one of EE's redeeming features is the quality of the younger actors on the cast.