Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has revealed she was rushed to hospital after suffering a “very bad fall” over the weekend, which left her needing surgery.
The actress, 49, who plays Mandy Dingle in the long-running ITV soap, shared updates from hospital with her followers on Instagram, posting photos of herself in a gown alongside her surgeon, as well as another image showing her arm in a sling.
Riley explained that she injured her thumb after slipping from a breakfast stool, with the impact causing significant damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The injury, which affects the stability of the thumb, often requires surgery in more severe cases.
Updating fans, she praised NHS staff and the specialist team who treated her in Leeds. She wrote: “Our NHS is incredible… I have to massively thank my specialist surgeon Mr Daniel Thornton at LGI Leeds hospital and all the beautiful team.
“I had a very bad fall over the weekend – no I’m sober, no drunk jokes – it was my extremely slippy breakfast stool and a woollen cardi. My left thumb took all of it, so today, hence the massive damage, I have had my operation.”
She added that she was now recovering with pain relief following the procedure.
Fans and celebrity friends quickly flooded the comments with well-wishes. Presenter Scarlett Moffatt wrote: “Sending love chick xxxx,” while broadcaster Steph McGovern added: “Oh no!! Sending love xx.” Others joked she now had a break from household chores, with one fan commenting: “At least you get out of washing up!”
Riley first joined Emmerdale in 1995 and has remained a firm favourite with viewers thanks to her portrayal of the outspoken Mandy Dingle.
Her latest update comes shortly after she appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, where she was eliminated in a double eviction. During her time in the jungle, she lost around one and a half stone — something she later said had an unexpected impact on filming back on set.
Speaking previously, she revealed the show’s costume department had to adjust her outfits to maintain Mandy’s signature look. “I like Mandy to be curvy,” she said, adding that she had been wearing extra layers during filming in cold weather.
Riley has also spoken about making lifestyle changes before entering the jungle, including giving up alcohol, which contributed to her weight loss.
