In one of the most poignant and heartfelt storylines unfolding off-screen, Emmerdale fans have witnessed a side of Lisa Riley that few have ever seen. As the actress navigates

the treacherous environment of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, she has captured the hearts of viewers not only with her resilience but also with her extraordinary empathy.

Behind the scenes, Dominic Brunt—the actor who portrays her on-screen husband Paddy Kirk—has expressed his admiration and emotional reaction to Lisa’s jungle journey,

revealing the depth of the real-life connection they share. Lisa Riley, best known for her role as Laurel Thomas on Emmerdale, provided one of the most touching moments in recent I’m A Celebrity episodes when she comforted Jack Osbourne as he spoke about the death of his father, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. The raw vulnerability of that moment was magnified when Lisa opened up about her own profound grief over losing her mother, Cath, in 2012. The shared experience created an instant bond between the two campmates, a moment of human connection that resonated deeply with audiences.

Dominic Brunt, who has played Paddy opposite Lisa’s Laurel for decades, was quick to recognise this empathetic side of his co-star. “The first time I saw her sit with Jack, it really gave me a look into the real Lisa,” Dominic reflects. “She notices things that others might miss and has an innate empathy. Seeing her there, comforting someone who’s suffered loss, I thought, ‘This is going to be remarkable.’ Two people who have endured so much in life, connecting like that—it’s incredibly moving. I don’t think Lisa will ever get used to losing her mum.”

Honouring Her Mother’s Legacy

Before entering the jungle, Lisa candidly shared that her decision to participate in the show was deeply personal. She wanted to honour her mother, who passed away from cancer, explaining, “I can’t help feel that maybe it is my mum in heaven giving me a message to do the show. She would be saying: ‘Go on, knock them dead and just have a laugh.’” This revelation adds layers to her journey on the show, turning every challenge she faces—from exhausting trials to confronting fears—into a tribute to her mother’s memory.

For Dominic, this personal context made Lisa’s decision even more meaningful. He was the only person besides her partner whom Lisa confided in about her plans to enter the jungle. “She told me months before the line-up was announced,” Dominic shares. “I thought, if she’s telling me, I won’t even tell my wife. I don’t keep secrets from her, so it was very unusual—but exciting. It was flattering that she trusted me with this.”

Lisa initially reached out to Dominic while he was filming, gauging his reaction to her potential jungle stint. “She called me one day,” Dominic recalls. “She said, ‘I’ve been asked to do the jungle, but I’m not sure. What do you think?’ I encouraged her, told her she’d be brilliant. Later, she said, ‘Actually, I’m doing it.’ I was really touched that she shared that with me. We’ve had a very close relationship since 1997, and being trusted in that way meant a lot.”

The Jungle Challenge: Staying True to Herself

Fans watching Lisa in the jungle have seen her navigate the environment with grace, humor, and authenticity. Dominic notes that while viewers might expect dramatic outbursts reminiscent of her Emmerdale character Mandy Dingle, Lisa’s real-life temperament is far more upbeat. “I’ve very rarely seen her moody,” Dominic explains. “She’s a very positive person. Even when tired, that’s when she might be a bit quiet, but she never loses her warmth or kindness.”

Dominic’s reflections highlight the stark difference between Lisa’s on-screen persona and the woman he knows personally. She is candid, selfless, and deeply caring—a trait that shines in moments of vulnerability, such as her support for Jack Osbourne. Dominic adds, “She’s incredibly funny, selfless, and kind. One of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Whether in material or spiritual terms, I hope viewers are seeing that now.”

Balancing Fame, Loyalty, and Personal Bonds

Dominic also describes the delicate balance of keeping such news secret in a bustling soap environment. “We work in a place full of actors, and there are very few secrets. I just thought, I better keep it to myself,” he laughs. Lisa, aware of the physical and psychological challenges of camp life, even warned Dominic that she might “go full Mandy Dingle” if hunger and exhaustion took their toll. While that might have been a concern, Dominic reassures fans: “She’s not a moody person. That’s not her. She’s always herself, genuine, and listens before acting.”

Watching Lisa adapt to the jungle has been a source of pride for Dominic, who describes her as a “force of nature.” He notes how she approached camp life patiently, observing and listening before engaging in the challenges, rather than seeking attention or trying to impress. “She wasn’t pretending to be anyone else,” Dominic says. “She sat and waited, listened, and only showed who she truly is. That authenticity is what makes her so special.”

Humour, Humanity, and Heartfelt Connections

Even amidst the tough trials, Lisa’s humour and charm remain evident. From candidly confessing moments of personal embarrassment during trials to playful interactions with other campmates, she remains grounded. “She’s like that all the time,” Dominic laughs. “It’s not just for the cameras—she’s naturally funny and open.”

Yet beneath the humour lies a profound depth. Dominic urges audiences to recognize Lisa’s empathy and emotional intelligence, traits that have long defined their on-screen partnership. “She listens more than she talks and genuinely cares for people. That’s a rare quality in the world we work in, and I hope viewers are seeing it now,” he notes.

Could Dominic Join the Jungle? Not a Chance

While fans might fantasize about a reunion in the jungle, Dominic makes it clear that such an adventure isn’t for him. “I wouldn’t do anything like that,” he admits. “I might do a charity quiz, but I can’t see myself surviving in that environment. I’d be quiet, shy, and probably voted off first.” His admiration for Lisa’s courage and resilience is evident, reinforcing the idea that the jungle is perfectly suited to her unique blend of humour, empathy, and determination.

Lisa’s Prospects and Viewer Support

As Lisa continues to navigate the trials of the jungle, Dominic believes she has a real shot at claiming the crown. “You never know,” he says. “There are strong personalities out there, but Lisa’s genuine, honest, and her heart is in the right place. People will see that. I hope so—I’m voting for her, and the whole building is behind her.”

Dominic’s support underscores the lasting bond between the two actors, a connection that has spanned decades and continues to resonate both on-screen and off. Their relationship offers viewers a glimpse into the real lives of soap stars, blending friendship, loyalty, and heartfelt admiration into a narrative as compelling as any plotline on Emmerdale.

Final Thoughts

Lisa Riley’s I’m A Celebrity journey is not just about surviving physical challenges; it is about showing the world her true character—her empathy, humour, courage, and heart. Dominic Brunt’s reflections provide fans with an intimate perspective, highlighting the extraordinary woman behind the camera and reminding viewers why they have admired her for so long.

As the jungle adventures unfold, one thing is certain: Lisa Riley is winning hearts, not just through her determination to overcome trials, but through the kindness, empathy, and authenticity that Dominic Brunt and countless fans have always known were at her core.