Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, best known for her role as Mandy Dingle, has marked a major personal milestone by celebrating 11 years of sobriety. The actress took to Instagram this week to share the achievement with her followers, posting a picture of a mug emblazoned with the words '11 years sober today'.
In her caption, Riley wrote: 'A day to be incredibly proud – 11 years sober today. To feel so free. Honestly, truly, now I’ve escaped from anything that destroyed being the truest me! Each and every day I live life to the fullest – never wasting one minute – and certainly not wasting a second in a fog of fake! My life is mine – which frankly is full of love and fun – I’ve created a life that does not require numbness for survival.'
Previous struggles with alcohol
Riley has previously spoken openly about her relationship with alcohol and the reasons behind her decision to quit. She explained: 'I was self-medicating with alcohol, I wasn’t sleeping because I’d lost my mum and I wasn’t coping very well. You know getting up early for work, you have to go to bed because you’re going knackered. A bottle and a half, two bottles helped me completely in those times and it was just a game I played with myself. "I’m going to try and get through a christening, I’m going to try and get through Christmas without it" and all of a sudden you become obsessed with the fact I can say "nine years ago".'
'Back then it was "I’ve done three months, I’ve done four months" and that becomes the obsession or the addiction the drink had on me. I never thought that I’d be here now but I love it. The fake of me has completely gone and I don’t ever want to have that back and it’s a better place to be.'
Support from fellow celebrities
Riley's post was met with an outpouring of support from friends, colleagues and fans. Angry Ginge, who shared the jungle with Riley during their series of I'm a Celebrity, commented: 'GO ON LISA'. Fellow jungle alumni Gemma Collins added a string of clapping emojis. The Sober Girl Society wrote: 'We love this so much! Congratulations lovely Lisa!'.
Scarlett Moffatt posted: 'So proud of you', while former Loose Women co-stars Ruth Langsford and Denise Welsh added: 'You're amazing' and 'So proud of you', respectively.
Another milestone in a big year
2026 has already been a significant year for Riley. Earlier this year, she was awarded an MBE and celebrated her 50th birthday. After her public announcement, Riley shared an image created by a friend, with her face placed atop the sunshine spread across a UK weather map. She wrote: 'This is so kind what one of my most loyal friends ever sent me this tonight… After sharing with you all my anniversary of being 11 years sober – she made me this saying… "My best mate Lisa spreads sunshine all over the country". That is the cutest I’m so touched. Love it!'
