Emmerdale fans have been on the edge of their seats as one of the soap’s most beloved stars, Lisa Riley, faces the ultimate test of courage in the Australian jungle on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.

Known to millions as the spirited Mandy Dingle, Lisa, 49, has traded the familiar streets of the Dales for sweltering heat, creepy crawlies, and the unpredictable dynamics of camp life.

And while viewers have cheered her every triumph, it turns out that even those closest to her have been surprised by the way she’s adapting to life in the jungle.

Speaking on ITV’s Loose Women on Tuesday, December 2, Dominic Brunt, Lisa’s on-screen husband Paddy Dingle, offered an intimate glimpse into his emotions as he watches his friend navigate this extraordinary experience. Appearing alongside Christine Lampard, Myleene Klass, Nadia Sawalha, and Brenda Edwards, Dominic did not hold back, revealing both his concern and admiration for Lisa’s resilience under pressure.

Christine opened the discussion by noting, “Dominic, what are you making of how she’s getting on in there? We obviously know Lisa and love Lisa; you really know Lisa after nearly 30 years of friendship.”

Dominic’s admiration was immediate. “She’s just being her beautiful self in there,” he said warmly. “She’s just so kind and has become the mother of the group in many ways.” Indeed, Lisa has quickly become the heart of the camp, forging close bonds with fellow contestants including Ruby Wax, Jack Osbourne, Aitch, and Angry Ginge. Her warmth, humor, and natural nurturing instincts have helped steady the camp during some of the show’s most tense and nerve-wracking moments.

Yet despite this outward success, Dominic admitted that watching Lisa adjust to jungle life was initially nerve-wracking. “Yeah, it was strangely tense watching it,” he confessed. “In the first week, you saw people coming in and they were dancing at everything, and they were saying, ‘God, we’re like a big family,’ and you think, ‘This is four days.’ I thought she was really quiet, and it’s not the Lisa we know. I think she’s comfortable with people that she knows, so it was good watching her after four, five, six, seven days, just coming out of her shell.”

He continued, his voice tinged with pride, “And then you could relax a little bit because we were watching, thinking, ‘Come on Lisa!’ But it’s great, she’s making us all very proud. It’s such fun watching her.”

Lisa’s journey has not just been about enduring the physical challenges of camp life. Fans have been captivated by the emotional depth she has shown, particularly during moments of vulnerability and heartfelt conversation. One notable instance saw her speaking with fellow campmate Jack Osbourne about his father, the late Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away earlier this year. The exchange was emotional, drawing Lisa to share her own profound grief over the death of her mother, Cath, in 2012.

Cath Riley tragically lost her battle with breast cancer, which had spread to her pelvis, ovaries, and pancreas, when she was just 57. Dominic reflected on the impact this loss had on Lisa: “I know that she struggled when her mum passed away, Cath. It affected her, and it’ll always affect her. She’ll miss her mum for the rest of her life. She struggled for about six years after that. She grieved very heavily, so it’s nice that she brought her up and could see a kindred spirit between her and Jack. It was nice to hear that.”

These moments of openness have further endeared Lisa to viewers, showing a side of the star rarely seen on-screen in the Dales. While Mandy Dingle is known for her humor, feistiness, and strong will, Lisa Riley herself has revealed a deeply introspective, compassionate, and emotionally complex side during her jungle tenure. Her willingness to connect with others over shared grief, vulnerability, and personal challenges has allowed her to forge authentic bonds in the camp, solidifying her reputation as one of the most beloved contestants of the season.

Of course, Lisa’s jungle journey has not been without the classic trials and tribulations that I’m A Celebrity is famous for. Fans have watched as she braved the iconic Bushtucker Trials, confronting her fears with courage and determination. From placing her head in a box with snakes to battling rats and spiders in the infamous Mine of Misery, Lisa has continually proved that she is a force to be reckoned with. Her competitive spirit shone brightly when she secured immunity after out-performing Martin Kemp in a live trial, and she has impressively earned eight stars across the season’s challenges—a testament to her grit, resilience, and adaptability.

Dominic, however, emphasized that these physical feats are only part of the story. “She’s really showing her character, not just as someone who can face fears, but as a friend, a confidante, and a pillar of strength in the camp,” he said. “She’s quietly leading, supporting everyone, and keeping spirits up even when things get tough. That’s the Lisa we all admire.”

Despite his admiration, Dominic was candid about the initial concern he felt for Lisa. He explained that her early days in camp were unusual for someone so confident and lively: “It’s not the Lisa we know. She’s comfortable with people she knows, so seeing her cautious at first was strange. But as soon as she started opening up, you could see her personality shine through, and it’s been wonderful to watch.”

When asked whether he might consider entering the jungle himself, Dominic laughed and gave a decisive response: “No, I would never go in the jungle. I’m too quiet. I think I’d be voted out in the first week.” His remark highlighted just how uniquely suited Lisa is to the intense and unpredictable environment of I’m A Celebrity. Her courage, resilience, and warmth are traits that have not only carried her through daunting trials but have also made her a unifying figure among her fellow contestants.

Lisa Riley’s journey on the show is resonating deeply with fans, who have embraced both her vulnerability and her determination. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, admiration, and encouragement, reflecting the profound connection viewers feel with her. Fans have praised her honesty, courage, and the emotional depth she brings to the program, reinforcing her status as one of Emmerdale’s most cherished and iconic stars.

As the series continues, the question on everyone’s mind is how far Lisa will go. Will she conquer her fears, win over the camp, and emerge victorious? One thing is certain: her time in the Australian jungle is providing a rare and compelling glimpse into the heart of a woman who has captured the imaginations of viewers for decades. From her early days in Emmerdale as Mandy Dingle to her current adventure on I’m A Celebrity, Lisa Riley continues to prove that strength, humor, and humanity can shine even in the most challenging of circumstances.

For Dominic Brunt and Emmerdale fans alike, the journey is as emotional as it is thrilling. Watching Lisa confront fears, embrace vulnerability, and form meaningful bonds with her campmates is a testament to her remarkable character. And while the jungle may test her in ways the village never could, Lisa is showing everyone that the essence of who she is—compassionate, brave, and unwavering—remains unmistakably the Lisa we know and love, even when faced with the extraordinary.