Emmerdale star Lisa Riley took a trip down memory lane as she celebrated Mandy Dingle's 31st anniversary on the ITV soap. The Bury-born actress joined the ITV soap back in 1995 as Mandy Dingle. Her character is best known for her comedic timing, witty comebacks and bubbly personality.
After taking a short break from the Dales, Lisa returned as a full-time cast member in 2019 and has been involved in some of the biggest storylines over the last year, including her father-in-law Bear Wolf falling into the horrific world of modern slavery.
Instagram Celebration
Taking to her Instagram, Lisa celebrated her 31 years since she made her debut on the ITV soap. As someone made a video of Mandy Dingle's first appearance on July 20 1995, Lisa added: "Nice trip down a very long memory lane". She then gushed: "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MANDY!!!! 31 years ago today Mandy Dingle first joined @emmerdale and I've never stopped laughing!!! Even today filming with such gorgeous cast members in the Woolpack-I love love my job-Mandy brings me joy!!! Thanks #emmerdale".
Originally Meant for One Episode
Last year, Lisa celebrated her 30 years on Emmerdale and shared that she was only meant to be in the soap for one episode originally. She said: "A few months later my agent rang me and said they wanted me back for a siege episode. Here I am sat with you 30 years later. The memories go on and on".
MBE Honour
Earlier this year, Lisa was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to drama and to charity as part of the King's Birthday Honours list for 2026. She said of the honour: "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. I am being awarded an MBE, Member of the Order of the British Empire, for my services to drama and to charity. To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement."
The Emmerdale actress continued: "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." After playing such an iconic role for over 30 years, Lisa noted that she's the "first ever cast member of Emmerdale" to have been awarded an MBE.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX and YouTube from 7am.
