Emmerdale fans will see Mandy Dingle temporarily depart from their screens as actress Lisa Riley prepares to enter the I'm A Celebrity jungle, with her exit storyline now confirmed.
Mandy's Temporary Departure Explained
Lisa Riley filmed her final scenes last week ahead of her stint on the popular ITV reality show, with Mandy Dingle's departure described as both 'brief' and 'lowkey' according to sources. The character will be visiting friends off-screen during the weeks Riley spends filming in Australia.
A source told The Sun: 'Lisa filmed her scenes last week, Mandy goes to visit friends and will be back before you know it. She'll be back filming full throttle once she's back from her trip down under too. Fans won't have long to wait for her return once the scenes air next year.'
Why Lisa Riley Chose the Jungle Challenge
The actress, who approaches her 50th birthday and celebrates 25 years of playing Mandy Dingle, revealed she felt ready for a significant challenge. Having maintained sobriety for ten years, Riley explained that personal tragedies had given her perspective on what truly constitutes difficulty.
'I lost my best friend not so long ago and mum got diagnosed at the age of 48 with breast cancer - I'm 49,' she shared. '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.'
Riley has been asked to participate in I'm A Celebrity numerous times throughout her career but now feels the timing is perfect for this life-changing experience.
What to Expect from Lisa in the Jungle
The actress promised viewers that her inner Mandy Dingle might emerge during her jungle stay, particularly if she encounters difficult campmates. '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!'
She joins an impressive lineup for the 25th series of I'm A Celebrity, which includes EastEnders star Shona McGarty, comedian Eddie Kadi, rapper Aitch, sports presenter Alex Scott MBE, Jack Osbourne, Kelly Brook, YouTuber Angry Ginge, Ruby Wax OBE and Martin Kemp.
Current Emmerdale Storylines
Mandy Dingle's temporary departure comes at a dramatic time in the village, with her character currently supporting husband Paddy Kirk following his alarming discovery about father Bear Wolf. Bear's storyline has taken a dark turn involving manipulation and modern-day slavery after he left the village under false pretences.
Paddy believed his father was staying with a friend in Ireland, but Bear's plans fell through, leading him to sleep in his car before being found by Ray Walters and taken to Celia Daniels' farm where he's since been groomed and exploited.
Metro has contacted Emmerdale representatives for official comment on Mandy Dingle's temporary exit and the character's future storylines upon Riley's return from the jungle experience.
