Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has addressed the reported exit of Bradley Johnson, claiming she "cannot confirm nor deny" whether he is leaving the soap. Back in May, it was alleged that the 28-year-old actor had been axed from the soap after playing Vinny Dingle for more than seven years. Vinny, the adoptive son of Mandy, will reportedly exit the ITV soap later this year.
Lisa Riley Remains Coy on Co-Star's Future
Asked about her co-star's exit at the 2026 TRIC Awards, Lisa remained coy about whether the reports were true. 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. 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."
Lisa Confirms Her Own Long-Term Role
Although fans could be losing a fan-favourite member of the Dingle family, they needn't worry as Lisa, 49, confirmed she will continue her role on the soap for a "very long time." She declared: "But whatever happens... I could be going! I'm not, I'm signed for a very long time."
What's Ahead for Mandy Dingle
Looking at what's ahead for her character, Lisa teased that her character will become more involved with Kev, played by Chris Coghill. Kev was introduced in 2025 as the estranged husband of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), with the pair having married while serving time in prison. He left the village in early 2026 but recently returned after discovering his biological son, Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) had been kidnapped by a woman named Kylie.
Teasing what lies ahead for her character, Lisa revealed that Mandy is initially wary of Kev, but hinted that the pair could develop an unlikely bond as the year unfolds. The I'm A Celebrity star told us: "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."
Lisa Praises Co-Star Chris Coghill
Gushing over 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."
