Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has revealed that she has her eyes set on a new challenge—taking on the jungle in I’m A Celebrity…
Get Me Out of Here! The actress, best known for playing the iconic Mandy Dingle on the ITV soap, has expressed her desire to compete in the reality series before she turns 50.
Lisa first joined Emmerdale in 1995 and became a fan favorite thanks to Mandy’s fiery personality and tumultuous relationship with Paddy Kirk.
While she originally left the soap in 2001, she made a highly anticipated return in 2019, securing a permanent role once again.
But now, with her 30th anniversary on the show approaching in June,
Lisa is considering stepping away from the Dales—at least temporarily—to tick I’m A Celebrity off her bucket list.
Lisa’s Dream to Enter the Jungle
In a recent interview with Woman’s Weekly, Lisa admitted that she has been approached multiple times to appear on I’m A Celebrity, but the timing was never quite right. However, she’s now determined to make it happen in the next couple of years.
“‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ is something I would do before I turned 50 as a test for myself. They ask me most years, and I wouldn’t rule it out,” she shared.
If Lisa does decide to take on the jungle, it would mean taking a break from Emmerdale. While no official announcement has been made regarding her potential departure, this could mean that Mandy Dingle’s future in the village is uncertain.
Emmerdale Tragedy: Who Will Survive?
Lisa’s comments about her future on Emmerdale come at a dramatic time for the soap, as a major disaster is about to unfold. ITV has confirmed that a shocking accident will take place this week, involving two separate limousine crashes that will leave multiple villagers in danger.
Lisa teased the dramatic scenes, explaining, “It’s party night. All the girls are glammed up, but things go wrong. A huge row breaks out in the boys’ limo, and there’s utter chaos in the girls’ limo. Both cars separately swerve off the road. They’re both packed with people, and one of them crashes onto a frozen lake.”
With at least 16 characters at risk—including Mandy, Paddy, Chas, Caleb, Cain, Charity, and Kerry—fans are bracing for heartbreaking exits from the soap. Lisa admitted that saying goodbye to some of her longtime co-stars would be difficult. “The crash means that dear, dear friends of mine will be leaving the show, which is always sad,” she said.
Could this shocking storyline pave the way for Lisa’s exit, allowing her to finally take on the jungle challenge?
A Personal Milestone: Lisa’s Journey to Sobriety
Away from her acting career, Lisa has also reflected on a major personal achievement—approaching 10 years of sobriety. The actress revealed that August 2025 will mark a decade since she gave up alcohol, a decision she is incredibly proud of.
“It’s a massive year. Drink numbs everything. The old me would go to a party that I didn’t want to go to and get really drunk because I didn’t want to be there, and I was bored. I’d rather be at home with my partner Al,” she explained.
Lisa admitted that, in the past, she often drank more than she should have. “I don’t want to sound like an old nana, but that’s the gospel truth. I was probably having a bottle too many. Now, it’s not a part of me.”
Her journey to sobriety has been inspiring for many of her fans, and she continues to advocate for healthy lifestyle choices.
What’s Next for Lisa Riley?
With a possible I’m A Celebrity stint on the horizon and a huge Emmerdale storyline unfolding, Lisa Riley’s future is full of possibilities. Whether she decides to brave the jungle in 2025 or continues to make waves in the soap world, one thing is clear—Lisa is always up for a challenge.
For now, Emmerdale fans will be watching closely to see if Mandy Dingle makes it out of the limo crash alive. And if she does, will Lisa take that as her cue to step away and embark on her next adventure? Only time will tell.
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