Emmerdale

Lisa Riley Lands in Australia for I’m A Celebrity — and Drops Hilarious Emmerdale Joke

Posted on by Harry

Emmerdale icon Lisa Riley has officially touched down in Australia, becoming the second celebrity to arrive ahead of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! — and she couldn’t resist referencing her soap roots the moment she landed.

“I’m a Dingle, I Can Cope with Anything!”

The 49-year-old actress, beloved for her role as Mandy Dingle, looked upbeat as she arrived at Brisbane Airport on Saturday, ready to swap the Yorkshire Dales for the Australian jungle.

With her trademark humour on full display, Lisa quipped to reporters:

“I am a Dingle, I can cope with anything! I’m from the north — we’re made of tough skin.”

Her comment instantly delighted Emmerdale fans online, many of whom said it was the “most Mandy Dingle entrance ever.”Emmerdale's Lisa Riley arrives in Australia ahead of I'm A Celeb stint as she reveals how she'll cope with jungle life

A Return Down Under

Lisa revealed she already has fond memories of Australia, reminiscing about the 1990s Emmerdale spin-off Dingles Down Under.

“We did Dingles Down Under many years ago, so I feel it’s only right we do it again,” she laughed.

When asked about the jungle’s infamous critters, she remained unfazed.

“I’ve worked on a farm — it’s part of the job,” she joked, proving she’s as fearless off-screen as her Emmerdale alter ego.

The Line-Up Takes Shape

Lisa follows Kelly Brook, who was spotted arriving earlier in the day, joking that she was “just visiting a distant cousin” — before teasing that she was looking forward to seeing “koalas, kangaroos, and my auntie Sheila.”

This year’s I’m A Celebrity promises an all-star mix of familiar faces. The rumoured line-up includes:

  • Martin Kemp (musician and Spandau Ballet star)

  • Morgan Burtwistle (YouTuber known as Angryginge)

  • Shona McGarty (EastEnders)

  • Ruby Wax (comedian)

  • Alex Scott (TV presenter)

  • Jack Osbourne (reality star)

  • Eddie Kadi (comedian)

  • Aitch (rapper)

  • Vogue Williams (presenter)

Two more celebrities are expected to join later as surprise “late arrivals.”Lisa Riley and Karen Blick tease what is in store for the Dingles in Emmerdale

A Landmark 25th Season

This year marks the 25th anniversary of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! — and producers are reportedly pulling out all the stops to make it “the most memorable series yet.”

Ant and Dec will once again host the hit ITV show, which returns to screens next Sunday.

If Lisa’s arrival is anything to go by, fans can expect plenty of laughs, grit, and a touch of Dingle-style chaos in the jungle.