Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, who has portrayed Mandy Dingle on the ITV soap since 1995, is set to take a break from the show to join the cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Emmerdale viewers are gearing up to say goodbye to Mandy Dingle, as actress Lisa Riley takes a short break from the ITV soap to appear in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
The hit reality series returns on Sunday, November 16, with Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly back as hosts. This year’s line-up includes several well-known faces.
Joining Lisa in the jungle are comedian Ruby Wax, rapper Aitch (real name Harrison Armstrong), social media star Morgan Burtwistle — better known as Angryginge — EastEnders’ Shona McCarty, comedian Eddie Kadi, and Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp.
Mandy Dingle has been a staple character on Emmerdale since her debut in 1995, quickly earning a devoted fanbase. Lisa has already completed filming her final scenes and is expected to return to the soap next year, according to reports.
An insider told The Sun that “Mandy’s departure will be subtle and short-lived.” They added, “Lisa wrapped filming last week — Mandy heads off to visit some friends but will be back before you know it,” reports The Mirror.
The source continued, “Once she returns from her stint in Australia, she’ll dive straight back into filming. Fans won’t have to wait long to see her again when her comeback airs next year.”
Lisa, who has played her much-loved character for over a decade, is said to have finally agreed to join the jungle after years of encouragement from the show’s producers.
Lisa first joined Emmerdale in 1995, leaving the following year before returning in November 2001 — and she has remained a fan favourite ever since.
Outside of Emmerdale, Lisa has hosted You’ve Been Framed!, appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, and served as a regular panellist on Loose Women.
This week, it was revealed that Lisa was the second celebrity to touch down in Australia. Upon arrival, she playfully referenced her soap roots, saying: “We did ‘Dingle Down Under’ years ago, so it’s only right we do it again.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Lisa expressed her excitement about tackling the tough challenges ahead. Despite the prospect of creepy crawlies and harsh jungle conditions, she remained confident and upbeat.
“My family are really cheering me on — they’re thrilled that I’m here. I don’t mind the creepy crawlies; I’ve worked on a farm for years, so that’s all part of the job when you’re Mandy Dingle,” she shared.
“I’m excited to meet all the wonderful people — I’m a people person and love a good chat. I’ve packed loads of things because I’m such a girly girl. There’s plenty of bling and lots of options,” she said.
Lisa has long dreamed of joining the show, admitting, “I’m A Celebrity… is something I wanted to do before I turned 50 as a personal challenge.”
Throughout her time on Emmerdale, Mandy has been at the centre of countless memorable storylines. Last year’s I’m A Celebrity saw McFly’s Danny Jones take the crown, beating a strong lineup that included Coleen Rooney, Maura Higgins, GK Barry, and Reverend Richard Coles.
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