Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley has addressed speculation that her on-screen son Vinny Dingle, played by Bradley Johnson, is leaving the ITV soap. Speaking at the 2026 TRIC Awards, she told the Daily Express: 'That's not confirmed. I don't know where that's come from! I can't confirm nor deny. He's my dream.'
Reports emerged in May suggesting the 28-year-old actor had been axed from the programme after portraying Vinny for over seven years. Vinny, Mandy's adoptive son, is allegedly set to bow out later this year.
Lisa Riley Confirms Her Own Future on the Show
While fans face the prospect of losing a much-loved Dingle clan member, Lisa, 49, reassured viewers she will be staying put. She declared: 'But whatever happens... I could be going! I'm not, I'm signed for a very long time.'
She emphasised the close bond among the cast: '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.'
Mandy's Future Storylines with Kev
Offering a glimpse into her character's future, Lisa hinted that Mandy will grow increasingly close to Kev, portrayed by Chris Coghill. Kev was introduced in 2025 as the estranged husband of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), having married in prison. He left the village in early 2026 but returned after his biological son Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) was abducted by a woman named Kylie.
Lisa revealed: 'Mandy is not happy with Kev. She can spot a rogue a mile off can't she? Watch out Kev, the smother mother might be coming out. Then again, with Kev, over time, they could grow closer.'
Praise for Co-Star Chris Coghill
Heaping praise on her co-star, Lisa added: '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.'
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV and ITVX.
