Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours list for 2026, making her the first cast member from the ITV soap to receive the honour. The Bury-born actress, known for her role as Mandy Dingle, was recognised for her services to drama and charity.
Riley joined Emmerdale in 1995, portraying the witty and bubbly Mandy Dingle. After a brief hiatus, she returned full-time in 2019 and has since been involved in major storylines, including her father-in-law Bear Wolf's involvement in modern slavery.
Turning 50 on July 13, 2026, Riley described the MBE as the best birthday present. She said: "Wow if this is not my best 50th birthday present being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list, I don’t know what is." She added: "To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement. To have been able to do my job as an actor for 36 years now, never having a day out of work in our industry, is an honour in itself."
Following her mother Cath's death from pancreatic cancer in 2012, Riley became an ambassador for charities including Breast Cancer Now, Maggie’s Yorkshire, Sane, and Sue Ryder. She said: "My platform has enabled me to be an ambassador for my chosen charities... I made that promise to my mum before she died: I told her I would help as many families as possible."
Riley noted she is the first Emmerdale cast member to receive an MBE, calling her role "the gift that keeps on giving." She said: "The finest feeling today is that I can truly feel my mum’s smile and her electric energy on my shoulders, the pride that her little girl ‘DID IT’!"
Iain Macleod, creative director of continuing drama at ITV, congratulated Riley, calling her a "much-beloved presence on the nation's screens" and praising her charity work. He said: "Lisa is a genuine force for good in the world and we’re all delighted for her."
