Soap favourite Lisa Riley is making a dramatic career change this winter, swapping the familiar setting of Emmerdale for the unpredictable jungle in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!
The actor, best known for playing Mandy Dingle, has officially joined the cast for the show's landmark 25th series after previously turning down the opportunity. She has already flown to Australia to begin her jungle adventure.
From the Dales to Down Under
This marks a significant shift for Riley, who has been a staple on the ITV soap. She first appeared as Mandy Dingle from 1995 to 2001, before making a triumphant return to the show in 2019. Her comeback was initially planned as a guest stint, but proved so popular with viewers that it became a permanent role.
Fans of Emmerdale might notice her absence from upcoming episodes, which can be directly attributed to her filming commitments in the Australian rainforest for the reality series.
A Varied Career Beyond the Soap
While millions know her as Mandy Dingle, Lisa Riley's career extends far beyond the Yorkshire Dales. She presented the hilarious clip show You've Been Framed from 1998 to 2002, becoming a familiar face in households across the UK.
Her television credits are extensive, including roles in popular dramas like Waterloo Road, Scott & Bailey, Fat Friends, The Bill, and Holby City. She has also been a regular panelist on ITV's Loose Women.
In 2012, Riley showcased her dancing skills on Strictly Come Dancing, achieving an impressive fifth-place finish. She has maintained a connection with the BBC dance competition, returning in subsequent years to host the Friday panel show.
Her decision to finally enter the I'm a Celebrity jungle in 2025 ends years of speculation, having confirmed in the past that she had been approached by ITV bosses but declined. Now, the soap star is ready to face bushtucker trials and campfire challenges as part of the new series lineup.
