Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has revealed she was rushed to hospital after a 'very bad fall' over the weekend, which required surgery on her thumb. The 49-year-old actress, who plays Mandy Dingle on the ITV soap, shared updates from hospital on Instagram, posting photos of herself in a gown with her surgeon and another showing her arm in a sling.
Riley explained that she injured her thumb after slipping from a breakfast stool, causing significant damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The injury, which affects thumb stability, often requires surgery in severe cases. She praised NHS staff and the specialist team at Leeds General Infirmary, writing: 'Our NHS is incredible… I have to massively thank my specialist surgeon Mr Daniel Thornton at LGI Leeds hospital and all the beautiful team.'
She added: 'I had a very bad fall over the weekend – no I'm sober, no drunk jokes – it was my extremely slippy breakfast stool and a woollen cardi. My left thumb took all of it, so today, hence the massive damage, I have had my operation.' She confirmed she was now recovering with pain relief.
Fans and celebrity friends flooded the comments with well-wishes. Presenter Scarlett Moffatt wrote: 'Sending love chick xxxx,' while broadcaster Steph McGovern added: 'Oh no!! Sending love xx.' Others joked she now had a break from household chores, with one fan commenting: 'At least you get out of washing up!'
Riley first joined Emmerdale in 1995 and has remained a firm favourite for her portrayal of the outspoken Mandy Dingle. Her latest update comes shortly after her appearance on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, where she lost around one and a half stone, which she said had an unexpected impact on filming due to costume adjustments.
