From Emmerdale Icon to Jungle Challenger

Lisa Riley, loved for playing Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, is stepping away from the soap once again as she heads into the jungle for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Her journey from breakout star to household favourite began in 1995, when Mandy first brought bold humour, fiery loyalty, and unforgettable storylines to the Dales.

Over the years, Mandy has survived heartbreak and chaos, including her turbulent romance with Paddy Kirk and her emotional involvement with Vinny Dingle, whose violent father Paul terrorised their lives. Off screen, however, Lisa’s own story has been marked by transformation, resilience, and loss.

A Life-Changing Weight Loss Journey

Lisa stunned fans when she revealed she had lost an incredible 12 stone in 18 months. Her approach was not a crash diet, but a lifestyle change. She gave up junk food, embraced nutritious meals, and worked out regularly. Her dedication saw her dress size drop from a 28 to a 12.

But the transformation brought physical and emotional hurdles. Lisa struggled with excess skin, which caused pain and infection. The loose folds, weighing more than 1.5 stone, affected her ability to move and exercise. In her documentary Lisa Riley’s Baggy Body Club, she admitted the mirror became a source of distress, saying she sometimes felt “revolted” by her reflection.

Eventually, Lisa chose to undergo surgery to remove the skin. The night before the operation, she feared she might not survive it. Still, she pushed forward, explaining that the surgery did not feel cosmetic, but a necessary step in reclaiming her body and her confidence.

A Loss That Changed Everything

Behind Lisa’s determination lies a deep grief. In 2012, she lost her beloved mother, Cath, to secondary breast cancer. The death shook her world. Lisa said she felt as though her mother had been her backbone, her best friend, and the strongest voice in her life. The loss forced her to grow up fast and learn to stand on her own.

Why She Won’t Get Married

Lisa has been with her partner, Al, for more than 11 years. They share a loving, committed relationship, yet she has no plans for a wedding. The reason is simple and heartbreaking: she cannot imagine marrying without her mum there. Al also lost his mother, and without their parents, the ceremony would feel incomplete.