In a captivating revelation that has sent shockwaves through the heart of the Dales, Emmerdale icon Lisa Riley has pulled back the curtain on her illustrious 30-year tenure as the inimitable Mandy Dingle. Beyond sharing intimate details about her character’s explosive future and signing a brand-new contract, the beloved actress also confessed to a surprisingly mundane, yet hilariously relatable, regret from her early days on set – a cautionary tale involving a confectionery crime.
Known for her vibrant personality both on and off-screen, Riley’s confession during a recent appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, hosted by Christine Lampard, offered a rare glimpse into the less glamorous, yet often amusing, realities of soap opera production. When probed about the common practice of cast members taking small souvenirs from set, Lisa’s response was immediate and definitive.
“No, Christine,” Riley stated with a theatrical shudder. “I discovered this when I was a child. You never, ever take any of the food on the set of Emmerdale.” The reason? A fateful encounter with a chocolate bar. “I bit into a Twix, and when I said it was concrete, it was concrete for sure. It was literally not fresh.” The incident served as a stark lesson, cementing her resolve never to pilfer provisions again. “Therefore, we learned that day to never steal food from the set again. Nothing at all. Chocolate bars particularly!” Christine Lampard quipped, echoing the collective amusement of viewers. This charming anecdote, while seemingly trivial, highlights Riley’s endearing candour and connection with her audience, proving that even a soap royalty can be humbled by a stale snack.
But the stale Twix story was merely a light-hearted prelude to far more substantial news regarding Mandy Dingle’s trajectory within the Yorkshire village. As Lisa Riley commemorates an astonishing three decades since she first burst onto screens in 1995 – initially intended for just one episode before her agent called her back for a “siege episode” months later – her commitment to the role remains unwavering. Fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief as Riley confirmed a significant new contract, unequivocally stating, “I’ve signed a new contract, so I’m not going anywhere, which is lovely.”
This announcement paves the way for a truly “massive year” for Mandy, a character who has evolved from the chaotic, leopard-print clad party girl to one of Emmerdale’s most resilient and emotionally resonant figures. Mandy’s journey back to the Dales in 2019, after an 18-year absence, was met with fervent fan excitement, particularly the prospect of her reunion with ex-husband Paddy Kirk, portrayed by the equally beloved Dominic Brunt. Their on-screen chemistry, a cornerstone of Emmerdale for decades, remains palpable. “Everyone asked when they would put them back together when I returned,” Riley reflected. “We love Mandy and Paddy, whereas Paddy, I can’t go any place. We get along so well and the screen reflects it.”
Currently, Mandy and Paddy are navigating the complexities of Paddy’s father Bear Wolf’s health issues, stemming from anger management and sleeplessness. This emotional narrative thread is set to deepen, but it’s the revelation of a new family dynamic that promises significant upheaval. “Mandy and Paddy have the new house,” Riley revealed, hinting at a fresh start that will soon be tested by the return of Dylan, a character who previously played a crucial role in April Windsor’s storyline earlier this year. “Dylan is returning, and we have a great plot in the works. Mandy and Paddy will be very motherly and fatherly to him,” she explained. However, this benevolent gesture is poised to ruffle feathers within the notoriously protective Dingle clan. “When we start backing him, you’ll see that the Dingles may be a little grumpy, regardless of whether they will like that or not.” This foreshadows potential friction and dramatic clashes as Mandy and Paddy step into new roles, potentially alienating other family members in the process.
Beyond the immediate storylines, Riley’s reflection on her three decades in Emmerdale is laced with both pride and pragmatism. Looking back at her flamboyant 1995 debut – “I wore a bright lime green bodysuit, had something camp, and spiked in my hair, double denim buffalo trainers” – she expressed profound gratitude. “Here I am smiling from ear to ear that I still have the joy of playing the role of Mandy Dingle. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the team in Yorkshire and all of the amazing talent I have had the pleasure of working with.” Her heartfelt appreciation extended to the show’s writers and producers “who create scene after scene that I adore,” and crucially, to the dedicated fanbase: “I want to thank all of the Emmerdale fans for their amazing support.” And, of course, a special nod to her long-standing screen partner: “PS, Dom, you have my sincere gratitude for accepting my bonkers every single day. I adore you.”
The milestone also prompted Riley to consider her personal journey. Despite the demands of Emmerdale, she is strategically delaying a significant on-set celebration to align with equally monumental personal achievements. “I’m going to be 50 next year. I’ve been in Emmerdale for 30 years and I’ve been sober for 10 years this year,” she disclosed, highlighting these as “significant” markers. “I’m going to pull everything together and have the greatest possible celebration at the end of the year.” Her dedication to Mandy is evident: “Mandy is a wonderful character, and I live vicariously through her. Mandy and I both have wacky personalities.”
However, even for a soap veteran like Lisa Riley, the industry comes with its own anxieties. She candidly addressed the current climate on ITV, marked by budget cuts and impending episode reductions. “We are all jobbing actors on the soap and there is never a day where we come in and go ‘oh, we are safe’.” This honest assessment underscores the constant pressure and uncertainty that even long-serving cast members face, making her new contract all the more significant.
Riley’s deep roots in the soap world extend beyond Emmerdale. Her recent social media posts have offered glimpses into her life outside the Dales, including a heartwarming reunion with Paula Lane, known for her roles as Ella Forester in Emmerdale and famously, Kylie Platt in Coronation Street. “We’ve had the most beautiful afternoon together, catching up, laughing, and chatting for eternity as if we’d never been apart,” Riley captioned a selfie of the two actresses, underscoring the enduring friendships forged within the close-knit soap community. She also playfully teased director Joseph Hart’s departure to Coronation Street in a video sketch and shared a sweet photo with Natalie Robb (Moira Barton) en route to the Soap Awards, illustrating her wide network of colleagues and friends.
As the interview concluded, Lisa Riley left fans on the edge of their seats with tantalizing hints about what’s truly to come for Mandy. “I had no idea Emmerdale was going to give me material like this. It’s Mandy like you’ve never seen her. You’ll laugh, you’ll scream, you’ll cry. And by the end, your jaw will be on the floor.” Such bold statements from a seasoned actress, who famously keeps tight-lipped about major storylines, only amplify the anticipation. With the Dingle family perpetually on the brink of chaos, Paddy’s lingering trust issues, and Vinnie making cryptic phone calls, the stage is set for a dramatic narrative that could reshape the village forever.
Will Mandy betray Paddy to protect a deadly secret? Could a ghost from her past force her to leave the village in shame? Or is she destined to inherit a legacy that puts her at the helm of the entire Dingle dynasty? The possibilities are endless, but one thing is certain: Lisa Riley’s “massive year” admission promises a period of unparalleled drama for Mandy Dingle. Whether it culminates in redemption, heartbreak, or an unexpected twist, fans are guaranteed to be on the edge of their seats, watching as Mandy Dingle shakes the Dales to its very core. The best – or worst – is yet to come.
