Emmerdale fans are in for a treat as soap favourite Lisa Riley finally trades the Dales for the wilds of the Australian jungle. The 49-year-old actress, best known for her iconic role as Mandy Dingle,

arrived in Brisbane on Sunday, preparing to face the challenges, creepy crawlies, and unexpected drama of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! after years of turning down the ITV reality show.

For decades, Lisa has been a household name, captivating audiences with her warmth, humour, and the mischievous charm of Mandy Dingle. However, despite numerous invitations from ITV bosses

to join the jungle camp, Lisa consistently declined, citing timing and personal priorities. In a 2023 interview with The Daily Star, she revealed:

“They ask me every year. They dangle that big carrot every year. I’ve always said ‘no,’ but the older I get… I’m 47. I always go, ‘Corr, I’m getting old.’”

Lisa’s hesitation was not due to lack of interest in the show, but rather a mix of self-reflection and timing. She admitted, “In my head I always feel like I’m 19, I’m never going to change who I am. But maybe if there was a milestone like my 50th. Then maybe.” With her 50th birthday approaching next year, the timing finally felt right for Lisa to embrace the adventure that fans have long dreamed of seeing her take.

From Emmerdale to the Jungle

Lisa’s character Mandy Dingle has been central to some of Emmerdale’s most memorable moments. Known for her feisty spirit and heart of gold, Mandy has been a fan favourite for years. Lisa’s portrayal has not only earned her accolades but also a reputation for bringing warmth, humour, and authenticity to the village’s storylines. Her decision to step away, even temporarily, marks a significant moment in the soap’s ongoing narrative.

Ahead of her jungle adventure, Lisa spoke about her excitement and readiness to face the challenges ahead. Landing in Brisbane, she expressed a mix of nerves and anticipation, joking about the creatures she might encounter:

“I’ve worked on a farm for many years on Emmerdale – it’s part of the job being Mandy Dingle, I suppose. I’m just here to have fun and a real good laugh.”

Known for her affable personality and infectious energy, Lisa also hinted at her desire to connect with her fellow campmates:

“I’m a people person. I want to see lots of lovely, lovely people while I’m here.”

A Missed Opportunity with Celebrity Traitors

Interestingly, this is not Lisa’s first brush with reality TV ambitions. Earlier this year, fans were eager to see her on Celebrity Traitors, the BBC spin-off sensation that has dominated ratings. On Instagram, responding to fans pleading for her to join, she admitted:

“Yes…Yes and Yes again to all your questions… I would love to do CELEBRITY TRAITORS. I would be absolutely shot though, I would truly be laughing and giggling all the time. I would just love the experience.”

Unfortunately for Lisa, that opportunity never materialized, leaving fans yearning for her reality TV debut. Now, I’m A Celebrity has finally provided the platform she long desired—a chance to showcase her humour, bravery, and charm outside of the Dales.

Emmerdale Fans Brace for Mandy’s Temporary Exit

Lisa’s jungle stint will necessitate a brief hiatus for Mandy Dingle from Emmerdale. Sources have revealed that the character’s exit will be low-key, with Mandy visiting friends before returning to the village. A television insider told The Sun:

“Mandy’s exit will be lowkey and very brief. Lisa filmed her scenes last week; Mandy goes to visit friends and will be back before you know it. She’ll be back filming full throttle once she’s back from her trip down under too. Fans won’t have long to wait for her return once the scenes air next year.”

This temporary departure ensures Mandy’s storyline remains uninterrupted while allowing Lisa to fully immerse herself in the challenges of jungle life.

Why Lisa is the Perfect Jungle Candidate

From a production standpoint, Lisa Riley is a dream contestant. The ITV insider explained:

“Lisa is the perfect celebrity for the show because not only is she from a soap watched by millions, she’s one of its biggest characters—and it’s an ITV show to boot. She also has a naughty, mischievous sense of humour which is guaranteed to get a big response from her other celebrity campmates during their time in the jungle.”

Her experience as Mandy Dingle, juggling heartfelt storylines with moments of levity, makes her uniquely suited to the highs, lows, and unpredictability of I’m A Celebrity. Past soap stars have often found success on the show, and Lisa’s fans are already eagerly anticipating how she will navigate camp life, trials, and the inevitable interpersonal drama.

Lisa Arrives Down Under

Upon landing in Brisbane, Lisa radiated excitement, embracing the adventure ahead with enthusiasm. While the jungle will present unfamiliar challenges—from harsh weather to wildlife encounters—Lisa’s background as a farmhand on Emmerdale has prepared her for physical tasks and outdoor life. She remains confident she can handle anything thrown her way, quipping:

“I’m just here to have fun and a real good laugh.”

Her lighthearted approach, combined with a competitive spirit, ensures viewers can expect both comedy and gripping moments as Lisa tackles the show’s notoriously tough challenges.

The 2025 I’m A Celebrity Line-Up

Lisa joins a star-studded cast for the 2025 series, promising a dynamic and entertaining jungle experience. This year’s lineup includes:

• Shona McGarty – the EastEnders star trades stage drama for camp life.
• Kelly Brook – model and radio host drawn Down Under with a big-money deal.
• Martin Kemp – the Spandau Ballet singer and 80s heartthrob ready to lead campfire singalongs.
• Eddie Kadi – comedian and Strictly star set to bring laughter to the camp.
• Alex Scott – former Lioness and Football Focus presenter joining the adventure.
• Ruby Wax – chat show icon ensuring conversations flow in camp.
• Jack Osbourne – rocker Ozzy Osbourne’s son, ready for jungle challenges.
• Lisa Riley – soap favourite and comedic force as Mandy Dingle.
• Aitch – music star, the first rapper on the show in 11 years.
• Vogue Williams – Irish model and presenter adding glamour to the jungle.
• Angry Ginge – popular football influencer and social media personality.
• Tom Read Wilson – Celebs Go Dating favourite rounding out the line-up.

This diverse mix of personalities ensures the 2025 series will be packed with drama, humour, and unforgettable moments, with Lisa poised to be one of the standout characters.

Fans Can’t Wait

The announcement of Lisa Riley joining the jungle has sent Emmerdale and reality TV fans into a frenzy. Her decision to finally accept ITV’s invitation after years of declining has been met with enthusiasm, curiosity, and high expectations. Audiences are eager to see how her mischievous wit, warm personality, and competitive edge translate to the challenges of camp life.

Lisa’s journey from the Dales to the jungle is not just a reality TV debut—it’s a milestone in her career, demonstrating her versatility as a performer and her willingness to step outside her comfort zone. Fans can expect laughs, tears, and heartfelt moments as Mandy Dingle’s actress proves that, whether on-screen or in the wild, she is unstoppable.