Lisa Riley was among the Emmerdale stars on the National Television Awards red carpet, where she spoke about her long career and her delight at being there. The 50-year-old has played Mandy Dingle for 13 years across two stints, from 1995 to 2001 and again from 2019 onwards, meaning the character first appeared on screens more than 30 years ago.
Riley said she never takes her longevity on the show for granted. She said: "29 years ago I won Best Newcomer at the NTAs. And here I am at 50, I'm a woman in the industry doing what I love every day. I'm lucky, I've never had a day out of work – I love what I do and I think that comes across."
Future on Emmerdale confirmed
Riley, who took part in Strictly in 2012 with the late Robin Windsor, confirmed she has signed another year on the soap. She said: "I've just signed another year, I'm very happy – it's my home. I'm allowed to do other things that I love, but I always say, 'I will die in leopard print!'"
She also teased significant drama ahead for Mandy, a character who has been through a tumultuous marriage, fallen for a gambler, and ended up working as a financial dominatrix. "It's all kicking off in Emmerdale," she said. "Eight weeks of massive drama. All I can say is, it's full-on and the audience is going to love Mandy even more."
MBE and royal perks
In June, Riley was appointed an MBE for services to drama and charity in the King's Birthday Honours, becoming the first Emmerdale cast member to receive the honour. At the time, she called it "my best 50th birthday present," adding: "To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement. My heart is the warmest it could ever be."
On the red carpet, she revealed a surprising perk of the award: "You can get upgraded travel, which is really nice. Who doesn't want a lovely tray of food rather than a microwave dish?" She also noted, "You can visit the palaces for free. And I'm allowed to get married in St Paul's!"
Riley has been engaged to her partner Al Benkovic for more than eight years, but she said they are in no rush to marry: "We feel like we're married, I'm like the Gen-Zers – they're not getting married these days."
Reflecting on her fifties
Riley also reflected on her jungle stint last year, during which she formed a close bond with comedian Ruby Wax, the pair becoming known as the 'Dunny Divas'. She said: "I'm enjoying my fifties and then some. Someone said to me, 'nifty at 50', and I'm like, 'yes!' It's just exciting and to be allowed to be my authentic self – the jungle taught me that so much."
She added: "When I watched it back – because you don't know what's going to be shown, you don't know what's going to be seen – I was literally so genuinely blown away. I was like, 'I'd be her friend,' and that was me."
Despite a hectic year, Riley has no plans to slow down, saying: "I never stop. Everyone says to me, 'You never have a day off.' I'll sleep when I'm dead. I love being busy."
