Lisa Riley has delighted fans by revealing when Emmerdale fans can expect to see her back on-screen as Mandy Dingle. Followers of the actress, who has played the loud, leopard print-wearing character in the ITV soap on and off for 27 years, hasn't been seen in the Dales for a while.
Fans were worried for the soap star when she didn't appear at the British Soap Awards earlier this month. Her on-screen family, the Dingle clan, took home the award for best family while Emmerdale picked up the main award of the night for best soap.
Her co-star James Hooton, who plays Sam Dingle in the Leeds-based soap, took to the stage to collect the Dingle's award, he mentioned Lisa's absence was down to a “family issue” and she was doing well. She had, however, already been on social media to share she had suffered a heartbreaking loss.
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In an Instagram post, the Bury-born star told fans her Nana had sadly passed away. "Today, we know, will be the toughest day, we lean on each other, you are now at peace, yet we are all craving your energy around the house," she shared. "God has gained another Angel. May you light up heaven with your warmth and your infectious smile. I will be try to be strong for the both of us."
But now, in her most recent social media post, Lisa confirmed she had spent a day filming in a sunny Emmerdale village as well as spent time working on filming another secret project.
The 45-year-old looked stunning and a far cry from her alter-ego Mandy as her she kept her dark locks down and stright with minimal make-up while donning a pair of glasses.She captioned the snap: "Just finished filming a lovely day in studio at Emmerdale now on my way in the car, down south to film something else, for the day…..should be a REALLY good giggle, I’m looking forward for it."
And fans were thrilled to hear she had been back filming in the village. @erinb2804 said: "Can't wait to see Mandy back in Emmerdale." @isles1978 commented: "Miss Mandy in Emmerdale, but I hope you are keeping well." @willsparsons wrote: "Miss you in emmerdale it’s not the same."
But @ryanmaddock1980 was quick to ask: "When are you back on Emmerdale you’ve not been in it for a while," to which Lisa replied: "Middle of July."
Despite not being at the British Soap Awards, Lisa was quick to share her pride. Taking to Instagram with a snap from a scene where her character Mandy is in a fight with Chas, played by Lucy Pargeter, Lisa said: "CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DINGLE FAMILY @thebritishsoapawards @emmerdale just an average day for the ' DINGLES' scrapping in the street. I am and always will be proud to be a DINGLE!!! Best family WINNERS….voted by YOU the viewers."
Then when Emmerdale scooped the top gong of the night, she shared: CONGRATULATIONS to our entire cast-crew-production-writers-directors-EVERY department!!!! We did it. Winners of best soap yes yes yes @emmerdale TEAM TEAM TEAM."
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