Lisa Riley, known for her role as Mandy Dingle on the long-running soap opera Emmerdale, is currently participating in this year’s season of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!. Since her debut in 1995, Riley has become a cherished figure on the ITV show, captivating audiences with her vibrant character and heartwarming storylines.
In recent years, the 49-year-old actress has undergone a significant transformation, losing an impressive 12 stone in just 18 months. This journey was not merely about weight loss; it represented a monumental shift in her lifestyle. Instead of seeking a quick fix, Riley committed to healthier eating and regular gym workouts. She transitioned from a size 28 to a size 12, but the process was not without its challenges.
As reported by The Mirror, Riley faced considerable discomfort due to excess skin, weighing over 1.5 stone, following her dramatic weight loss. She described the experience as painful, highlighting the difficulty of moving and the emotional toll of her new appearance. “When you are on this weight loss journey, food becomes the enemy,” she said. “But the movement was becoming a severe problem. It really hurt, it rubbed and it would get red.”
In her 2017 documentary, Lisa Riley’s Baggy Body Club, she candidly discussed her struggles with body image after her transformation. She shared her decision to undergo surgery to remove the loose skin, a choice made by many individuals on a similar path. Reflecting on her fears surrounding the procedure, Riley revealed, “The night before the surgery, I was so petrified that everybody thought I wasn’t going to go through with it. I was thinking that in 11 hours, I could be dead. I might not wake up.”
Despite the common perception of such surgery as cosmetic, Riley viewed it differently. “I don’t feel like I have had cosmetic surgery; I have corrected what I had done to myself,” she explained.
Personal Loss and Its Impact
Earlier this year, Riley opened up about the profound loss of her mother, Cath, who passed away from secondary breast cancer in 2012 at the age of 58. Reflecting on this loss, she expressed the deep impact it had on her life and career. “Mum went way before her time. I had to grow up really quickly,” she shared with The Mirror. “When I lost her, it blew my mind, because I had to do everything on my own. In this industry, it’s hard.”
The absence of her mother has influenced Riley’s perspective on marriage. Despite being in a relationship with her partner, Al, for 11 years, she has chosen not to marry. “We’re already married, but not married. Honestly, I truly couldn’t cope with the big day without my mum by my side,” she said. “Why would I want to put myself through that?”
Riley’s partner has also faced personal loss, as Al lost his mother not long ago. The couple has decided to focus on their relationship without the pressure of a formal wedding. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’re 11 years together in June,” she noted.
As she embarks on her adventure in the jungle, Lisa Riley continues to inspire many with her candidness about her struggles and her resilience in the face of adversity. Emmerdale continues to air weekdays on ITV and ITVX, keeping fans connected to the beloved characters and their evolving stories.
