Lisa Riley: ‘I’ll never be “that fatty on the red carpet” again…’
Bubbly Lisa Riley talks exclusively to best about returning to Emmerdale, and just how determined she is to maintain her incredible weight loss…
Actress Lisa Riley, 43, has had her ups and downs, much like her Emmerdale character, Mandy Dingle – but she’s lost none of that sparkling personality with the pounds she’s shed in recent years. Here, Lisa talks about her highly anticipated return to soapland…
Hi, Lisa! What can we expect from Mandy’s return to the Dales?
Naughtiness, all the way! She needs a home – and will do anything to get her hands on more money. She also has bridges to build, especially with Uncle Zak: she should have been there when his wife, Lisa, was dying. My on-screen son Vinnie returns, too, and he’s not who you think he is! As Mandy’s son, he’s had the best teacher in manipulation – 17 years of learning from the best. They get up to so much mischief.
Is it fun, playing someone so different to yourself?
It really is. Mandy orchestrates things to her own end – the polar opposite to me. People stop me and go, ‘You’re nothing like Mandy!’ but that’s just it: all actors are chameleons. The only traits Mandy and I do share are being fun and feisty. How have you changed since joining the soap back in 1995? I’m 43 now – I was a kid when I started. I’ve been through a lot. Then there’s my weight loss – Emmerdale’s wardrobe can go into shops they couldn’t before! Wait and see the outfit Mandy wears for Halloween, it’s skin-tight. The old me could never have worn it!
Have you got used to the new you, by now?
Yes, but I still have pinch-me moments. Like, that picture of me at the 2018 BAFTAs in a size-12 designer dress, which fitted like a glove. With Emmerdale, those redcarpet moments will happen again, and I just can’t wait. Before, I dreaded them, being vilified as ‘the fatty on the red carpet’. Well, they can’t do that any more. I feel sexy, feminine and fantastic.
Are you still as strict with diet and exercise?
Yep. I train all the time, and eat all the good things. People might say, ‘ Wow, such discipline,’ but if you were as massive as I was, you have to. You’d never give an alcoholic a G&T, would you?
How are things going with your fiancée, Al?
Phenomenally. But having a ring on my finger doesn’t change anything, and I’m not rushing to get married. We just enjoy… us. And, as I’ve learned the hard way, if you talk about your relationship in the public eye, it goes to pot. Also, we’re not that interesting! If boring is heading to M&S to pick up a nice dinner and then
watching Netflix, then, yes, I’m boring – and long may it last!
Do you ever wonder what your late mum, Cath, would have thought of Al?
All the time. Recently, my Auntie Ellen said, ‘Do you have any idea how much your mother would’ve loved him?!’ And all my bezzies from childhood say the same. Ironically, there’s a glimmer of mum in Al, which makes me even happier. The only people who’ve ever said, ‘No!’ to me are Mum and Al!
You said recently that grief ‘doesn’t get any easier’ over time…
It doesn’t. My niece, Everlyn, who’ll be a year old in October, is named Everlyn Catherine Riley, after Mum. She brings such joy, but it’s bittersweet remembering Mum. For anyone dealing with grief – as I do every second of every day – you find a personal way to deal with things, even if it’s pushing the bravado button. But now, I can look at Everlyn and think if she can be even a quarter of the woman her nanna in heaven was, then we are blessed.
Strictly is back – are you glued to it?
Yes! I spoke to Cath [Tyldesley] the other morning. We’re dear friends, so I’m Team Cath all the way. Strictly’s about so much more than the dancing, and her beautiful personality will shine. I’m loving Michelle Visage [a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race] – I’m a complete RuPaul-aholic! I worked on the UK version of the show, over the summer, with Craig Revel Horwood. Gold star! Michelle is amazing.
Would you ever do any other reality TV shows, such as Dancing On Ice?
I’ve heard rumours I’m doing that! I’ve been asked to do everything – you name it. But I’m back at ITV now, and very happy. The I’m A Celebrity… people ask me every year, and it’s always a no. It’s not a money thing: I’m that ballsy, I’d cope fine – which doesn’t make good telly! I’m a proper little Girl Guide. Mice would be my only downfall… l Emmerdale is on ITV at at 7pm weekdays, with an extra episode 8pm Thurs.