It’s the news soap fans have been waiting for, Emmerdale legend Lisa Riley is reprising her role as Mandy Dingle after 17 years away from the show.
The much-loved character will return in the New Year, and soap bosses have hinted that Mandy Dingle will be back to cause lots of trouble as part of a “self-contained storyline”.
Lisa played iconic Mandy between July 1995 and November 2001, leaving the village after her marriage to Paddy Kirk broke down following Mandy’s affair with her college lecturer.
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Since her time on Emmerdale, Lisa has landed roles in TV shows like Fat Friends, Three Girls, Holby City, Waterloo Road, Doctors and Scott and Bailey. She also appeared as a contestant in Strictly Come Dancing back in 2012.
Speaking of her return to Emmerdale, Lisa said: “I couldn’t not be happier to be returning in the New Year to Emmerdale. It’s something I never thought would happen after 17 years, and I am so interested to see what trouble Mandy is capable of causing.
“But mostly being back with all my old friends, it’s like I’ve never been away.”
While fans will have to wait and see what chaos Mandy’s return will cause for her friends and family, soap bosses have promised lots of drama.
Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks said: “Iconic Mandy Dingle returns to the village carrying a secret that turns lives upside down.
“She’s a character bursting with fun who certainly ruffles a few feathers during her short stint back in the village, and she clearly hasn’t lost any of the joie de vivre that made Mandy so popular and enjoyable to watch.
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“We’re delighted to be welcoming Lisa back to Emmerdale.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
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