Bradley Johnson and Jack Osbourne react to Lisa’s powerful moment of vulnerability on I’m A Celebrity

As Emmerdale’s beloved Mandy Dingle, Lisa Riley has long been a symbol of strength, humour, and resilience. But now, the actress is winning over a whole new audience with her heartfelt honesty on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Currently living among eleven other celebrities in the challenging Australian jungle, Lisa, 49, has already faced her fears—from snakes to storm evacuations. But it’s her emotional openness that’s struck the deepest chord with fans and fellow contestants alike.

“She’d Be Gleaming”: Lisa Pays Tribute to Her Mum

During a moving conversation with fellow contestant Jack Osbourne, Lisa opened up about the loss of her mother Cath Riley, who died from breast cancer in 2012 at just 57. Their conversation began when Lisa tenderly asked Jack about his father, Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away earlier this year.

The emotional moment saw both stars tear up as they bonded over their shared grief. Lisa reflected, “While my mum would be gleaming at the prospect of me doing the jungle, I can also imagine her sat there at nine o’clock being frantically worried about me. But she knows I am a very headstrong person.”

Her honesty resonated with Jack, whose grief is still raw, having lost his father just four months ago. Their heartfelt exchange became one of the most talked-about moments of the season.

Onscreen Son Shows Support

Back in the UK, Emmerdale star Bradley Johnson—who plays Lisa’s onscreen son Vinny Dingle—appeared on Lorraine to express his admiration. Speaking to Lorraine Kelly, he praised Lisa’s ability to support others while managing her own grief journey.

“Everything that Lisa’s been through with losing her mum and stuff, and the grief journey she’s been on… I think for Jack as well, it’s only been four months,” he said. “She’s really been a support for him. The best medication, Lisa always says, is to talk about it, to be open.”

He added, “She’s that person we all turn to at work, especially me. She’s doing phenomenal.”

Fans and Co-Stars Celebrate Her Vulnerability

Lisa Riley’s performance on I’m A Celeb has reminded fans that behind the glamour of the soap world lies a woman with extraordinary emotional depth. From forming fast bonds with fellow castaways to stepping up as a maternal figure in the jungle, Lisa is quickly becoming one of the most admired contestants of the season.

And while Mandy Dingle may be tough as nails in Emmerdale, it’s Lisa’s real-life compassion and courage that’s capturing hearts around the world.