Lisa happy to be back on the farm
IT’S been 17 years since Emmerdale viewers last saw Mandy Dingle played by Lisa Riley, and the iconic character is set to make a dramatic return in the new year. Bubbly barmaid Mandy, who was married to vet Paddy Kirk and her cousin Butch Dingle, is heading back for a short spell in the village in the new year for a self-contained storyline.
Former husband Paddy moved on a long time ago and is now in a relationship with Chas Dingle with a partnership in the veterinary practice. And the rest of
Dingle family are living fairly harmoniously until Mandy returns to ruffle feathers.
Bury actress Lisa said: “I could 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.”
Emmerdale’s 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.
“We’re delighted to welcome Lisa back to Emmerdale.”
Lisa, who danced into the nation’s hearts on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, made her first appearance as Mandy in Emmerdale in July 1995.
After leaving the village when her marriage to Paddy ended in 2000, Mandy returned briefly the following year in order to win him back, but she realised he was happily settled with post office worker Emily Dingle, the widow of the late Butch Dingle.