Emmerdale favourite Lisa Riley has been confirmed for the 2025 series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, revealing that two devastating personal tragedies motivated her decision to face the jungle challenge.
From Emmerdale to the Jungle
The actress, best known for playing the cheeky and formidable Mandy Dingle in the long-running ITV soap, will join the reality show's 25th series when it launches on Sunday November 16 at 9pm on ITV. Riley has promised viewers will see plenty of her iconic character's spirit in the camp, warning fellow contestants that she won't tolerate any nonsense.
'It's going to be ace! I will be there for everyone but I don't suffer fools gladly,' Riley declared. 'My inner Mandy Dingle will come out if someone is mean!'
Despite facing what she describes as 'egos, various forms of vulgar wildlife, and surviving on the dreaded rice and beans,' the actress remains optimistic about her jungle experience.
Turning Tragedy into Triumph
The decision to join the show comes at a significant moment in Riley's life, as she approaches her 50th birthday and celebrates both 25 years of playing Mandy Dingle and 10 years of sobriety. However, it was two profound personal losses that ultimately convinced her to take on the challenge.
'I lost my best friend not so long ago and mum got diagnosed at the age of 48 (with breast cancer), I'm 49,' Riley shared emotionally. 'Nothing can be as bad as that in life and I have got to see if I can do it. Every day is a blessing and I want to really enjoy everything.'
This follows the death of Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor last year, with whom Riley had previously worked.
Star-Studded Lineup Revealed
The 25th series of I'm A Celebrity boasts an impressive roster of celebrities joining Riley in the Australian jungle. The confirmed lineup includes:
- Shona McGarty from EastEnders
- Comedian Eddie Kadi
- Rapper Aitch
- Footballer and presenter Alex Scott MBE
- Jack Osbourne
- Kelly Brook
- Content creator Angry Ginge
- Ruby Wax OBE
- Martin Kemp
Riley explained that she'd been approached to join the show multiple times before, but felt now was the right moment to embrace this life-changing experience. Her journey promises to be one of the most emotionally compelling stories of the new series as she turns personal heartbreak into personal growth.
