ITV Emmerdale Star Makes Major Show Announcement After Exit Bombshell
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has put an end to speculation about her future on the ITV soap after confirming she has signed a new contract to continue playing fan favourite Mandy Dingle.
The 50-year-old actress, who has portrayed Mandy on and off for more than 30 years, addressed rumours that she could be preparing to leave the long-running series after taking time away last year to appear on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
There has also been speculation that Riley and I’m A Celebrity winner Angry Ginge could reunite for a separate road trip programme, adding further questions over whether she would continue in the Dales.
But speaking at the National Television Awards, Riley made her position clear.
“I’ve just signed my next contract and I’m very happy there,” she confirmed.
The actress joked that she has become so closely associated with Mandy’s famously colourful wardrobe that leaving the character behind would be difficult.
“I love playing Mandy. I have to die in leopard print now, don’t I,” she laughed.
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Mandy and Paddy Have More to Come
Riley also hinted that there are significant developments ahead for Mandy and Paddy Kirk, played by Dominic Brunt.
“Me and Dominic, you know Mandy and Paddy, it’s meant to be,” she said.
“We’ve got a lot of stuff coming up soon as well.”
However, she stopped short of revealing exactly what viewers can expect, teasing that she could not confirm whether the upcoming material would be comedic or take the characters in a more serious direction.
Her reassurance comes during a period of considerable cast movement on Emmerdale.
Viewers have recently seen Patsy Kensit return as Sadie King, while other familiar characters have left the village, including Jimmy King, played by Nick Miles.
Riley said uncertainty is simply part of working on a continuing drama because cast members generally work on contracts lasting six or 12 months.
“As an actor, every single one of us is on a rolling either six or 12 month contract,” she explained.
According to Riley, arrivals and departures are essential to keeping the soap moving forward.
Characters naturally come and go as storylines evolve, she said, and that constant change is one of the reasons audiences continue watching.
Christmas Surprise Already Planned
Riley was particularly enthusiastic when discussing Mandy’s upcoming festive storyline.
While she refused to reveal exactly what is planned, she hinted that one Christmas costume has already left her delighted.
She praised the programme’s wardrobe and make-up teams, explaining that they work closely together to create Mandy’s unmistakable appearance.
“I can’t tell you what but there’s something coming up towards Christmas and I was like, ‘Oh My God!’” Riley said.
She revealed that the team had taken a particular dress and “Mandified it”, promising viewers that the finished look would be “epic”.
The actress said the outfit has already been finalised and admitted she is excited for fans to finally see it on screen.
Her contract confirmation came during a successful night for Emmerdale at the National Television Awards.
The ITV soap won Best Serial Drama, beating EastEnders, Coronation Street, Casualty and Hollyoaks to the prize.
There was further success when Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain Dingle, won Best Serial Drama Performance for his portrayal of Cain’s prostate cancer storyline.
For Riley, the celebrations also offered the perfect opportunity to reassure fans concerned about Mandy’s future.
Despite new television opportunities and recent time away from the soap, she has no immediate plans to leave the role that has defined much of her career.
With a newly signed contract, more Mandy and Paddy scenes on the way and a Christmas look she can barely contain her excitement about, Riley made one thing clear: Mandy Dingle’s time in the village is far from over.
