Lisa Riley, best known for her role as Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale, has set the record straight about her future on the ITV soap, confirming she is not leaving anytime soon. The 49-year-old actress addressed speculation following reports of a shake-up at ITV, which included a £1.6bn deal with Sky.
Riley Confirms Long-Term Contract
Speaking to Heat Magazine, Riley stated: "Whatever happens in the storm...I mean, I could be going...I'm not - I'm signed for a long time." This directly counters rumours that she might exit the show. She also discussed her character's current storyline with Kev Townsend, played by Chris Coghill, saying: "Oh, Mandy's not happy with Kev. She's a rogue, so she can spot a fellow rogue a mile off, can't she? Watch out, Kev - the smother mother might be coming out."
Addressing Co-Star Exit Rumours
Riley also weighed in on reports that Bradley Johnson, who plays Vinny Dingle, had been axed from the show. In an interview with the Daily Express, she said: "That's not confirmed. I don't know where that's come from! I can't confirm nor deny. He's my dream. We are like family. We're so close. You can see how much we laugh. We're a family at Emmerdale and we are really happy."
She praised her co-star Chris Coghill, adding: "I adore him. Chris Coghill is a genius to work with, phenomenally funny and on his lines so much that you can play with dialogue with him. Doing comedy is an actor's dream. I'm his biggest cheerleader."
ITV Deal and Emmerdale's Future
Riley's remarks come after reports that Emmerdale's future has been safeguarded following Sky's acquisition of part of ITV, confirmed earlier this week as part of a £1.6bn deal. However, ITV's production arm, which produces shows like I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, was not included in the transaction. Good Morning Britain journalist Richard Arnold assured viewers: "All the t's need to be crossed and the i's need to be dotted. But the important thing for you guys watching at home is it's business as normal. All your favourites - Corrie, Emmerdale, the faces you wake up to every morning on Good Morning Britain - nothing's going to change."
