From soap queen to jungle hero, Mandy Dingle icon reveals bold ambitions—and fans are loving every second

Still Dreaming Big After Decades in Showbiz

Lisa Riley may be best known as Emmerdale’s brash and beloved Mandy Dingle, but the actress has revealed that her sights are set far beyond the Dales. Appearing on the Celebrity Side Hustles podcast, Lisa opened up about her long-term goals—and the surprising career shift she’d embrace in a heartbeat.

“I’d give my left arm to produce Saturday night television,” she declared. “That’s my dream.” It’s a bold statement from a woman whose career already spans soap stardom, Strictly sparkle, and prime-time hosting duties on You’ve Been Framed! But for Lisa, ambition never sleeps.

“You Never Know What’s Next”

Speaking candidly, the 49-year-old actress said that acting comes with constant uncertainty. “You’re only as good as your last episode,” she admitted. “You don’t know what’s happening next.” But that unpredictability fuels her. “I’m still very ambitious… it runs in my blood.”

Lisa first joined Emmerdale in the 1990s, returning to the soap in 2019 to revive her iconic role. But beyond acting, she’s eager to work behind the scenes—particularly in shaping the next generation of Saturday night entertainment.

“I’d love to be part of the production and ideas team,” she said, hinting that her passion for TV isn’t just in front of the camera.

Jungle Queen in the Making?

Currently starring in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! alongside names like Jack Osbourne, Martin Kemp, and Ruby Wax, Lisa is already proving herself a standout campmate. In a recent episode, she jumped into action when co-star Kelly Brook flung her toothbrush after being startled by a jungle creature. Without hesitation, Lisa ventured into the undergrowth and retrieved it.

Fellow contestant Aitch was impressed. “She’s breaking the rules and everything. Lisa’s a badman,” he joked in the Bush Telegraph.

Viewers agree. Fans have flooded social media with praise, dubbing Lisa the “mama bear” of the season and tipping her as a fan favorite. “Lisa Riley’s winning this,” one viewer predicted on X. Another added: “She’s the soul of the camp already.”

A Past Behind the Curtain

Lisa isn’t entirely new to production. She recalled a previous stint behind the scenes, having produced a musical starring Coronation Street legend Kevin Kennedy. “It was really successful,” she said proudly—proof that her instincts are as strong behind the scenes as they are in front of them.