Emmerdale star Lisa Riley is entering the New Year with a renewed sense of purpose and happiness, having completely transformed her life after making a pivotal decision a decade ago: giving up alcohol.
The Turning Point: Grief and Sobriety
Fresh from her emotional stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, where she shed an impressive 20lb, the actress has revealed the profound impact of her sobriety. Lisa, 49, explained that her drinking escalated significantly following the death of her beloved mother, Cath, from cancer in 2012.
In candid jungle conversations, she described using alcohol as "the biggest plaster" to numb her overwhelming pain. "When Mum died, I genuinely couldn't cope," she confessed to campmates, admitting she would routinely consume three bottles of Malbec every night to take the edge off her grief.
A New Chapter: Love, Health and Ambition
The star's life changed course on 19 August, over ten years ago, when she had her last drink in a pub in Bury. What began as a personal challenge to stop until Christmas evolved into a permanent, life-altering choice. A source close to the actress states that since embracing sobriety, Lisa has "never looked back", enjoying clear-headed mornings and a banished sense of low mood.
Her happiness has been further bolstered by the love of her fiancé, American musician Al, whom she met in 2014 and got engaged to four years later. She credits him as her "soul mate" and a hugely supportive partner who encourages her unconditionally.
This powerful combination of a booze-free life and being "loved-up" has been the cornerstone of her sensational 12 stone weight loss. She now feels "fitter and healthier" than ever, with glowing skin and a major confidence boost.
Looking Ahead: Big Plans for 2026
Riding high from her jungle experience, where she felt like the "mummy of the camp", Lisa has ambitious plans for the future. She aims to capitalise on her success beyond the Emmerdale village, where she has played Mandy Dingle for 30 years.
"She wants to do more presenting," the insider revealed. "She'd love to work on This Morning and is hoping ITV will see her as a potential successor to iconic figures like Cilla Black." Lisa is also keen to explore opportunities in fashion, inspired by her new-found self-assurance.
Maintaining her healthy lifestyle remains a priority, with fellow campmate Vogue Williams inspiring her fitness regime. Determined to continue her wellness journey, Lisa Riley's story is one of remarkable resilience, proving that profound personal change is possible through sobriety, love, and self-care.
