Fans of Emmerdale have watched their favorite stars face countless dramatic storylines on screen, but this time the emotional conversation is unfolding off-screen—and it involves

one of the soap’s most beloved personalities stepping into the unpredictable world of reality television. Actress Lisa Riley, widely adored for her portrayal of Mandy Dingle

on the long-running ITV drama, has been making headlines during her appearance on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. While viewers have largely celebrated her bravery

and warmth in the Australian jungle, one close friend and co-star has admitted that watching her journey hasn’t been entirely easy. During a candid television appearance, Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy Dingle on Emmerdale, shared surprising concerns about how Lisa initially appeared on the show—confessing that, at first, the star didn’t seem like the Lisa he and many fans know so well.

A Jungle Adventure That Has Captivated Fans

Since entering the jungle, Lisa Riley has thrown herself headfirst into the challenges that define I’m a Celebrity. Known for its brutal trials and emotionally draining conditions, the series pushes celebrities far beyond their comfort zones—and Lisa has proven she’s more than willing to face the fear.

In just a short time, she has already endured some of the show’s most nerve-racking challenges.

One trial saw the actress place her head into a box filled with snakes, testing her nerves while cameras captured every second of the terrifying ordeal. Another challenge forced her to confront swarms of rats and spiders in the notoriously dreaded “Mine of Misery,” where she battled through claustrophobic tunnels to secure eight stars for camp.

Perhaps most impressively, she even managed to win immunity in a live trial after outperforming fellow contestant Martin Kemp.

Despite the intensity of the jungle experience, Lisa has quickly become a fan favorite. Viewers have praised her kindness, humor, and the nurturing role she has naturally taken on among the campmates.

Building Strong Bonds in Camp

Life in the jungle often creates unexpected friendships, and Lisa has formed particularly strong connections with several of her fellow contestants.

Among those she has bonded with are comedian Ruby Wax, television personality Jack Osbourne, singer Ian Watkins—better known to fans as “H”—and internet personality AngryGinge.

Inside the camp, Lisa has become something of a comforting presence, often offering emotional support to her fellow celebrities. Her warmth and empathy have earned her a reputation as the “mother” of the group, a role that seems to come naturally to the actress.

But while viewers at home have seen Lisa gradually flourish in the jungle environment, one person who knows her better than most admits the early days left him feeling unexpectedly worried.

Dominic Brunt Opens Up About His Concerns

Appearing on the ITV talk show Loose Women, Dominic Brunt was asked about his long-time friend’s performance in the jungle.

The actor joined a panel including Christine Lampard, Myleene Klass, Nadia Sawalha, and Brenda Edwards.

Having known Lisa for nearly three decades, Dominic admitted that watching her first few days in the jungle felt surprisingly tense.

“At the beginning, it felt strange,” he revealed. “You saw everyone arriving and instantly saying how they were like a big family already, and you think—this is only day four.”

For Dominic, the biggest surprise was how quiet Lisa seemed during those early episodes.

“It just didn’t feel like the Lisa we know,” he explained. “She’s usually so full of energy and confidence. At first, she seemed a little reserved.”

Finding Her Confidence in the Jungle

Dominic believes Lisa simply needed time to adjust to the unfamiliar environment and new personalities surrounding her.

According to the actor, she tends to be most comfortable when she’s around people she knows well. In the jungle, however, she was suddenly surrounded by strangers while also navigating the intense pressure of television cameras and brutal challenges.

Thankfully, Dominic says the transformation soon became clear.

“After a few days, you could see her starting to come out of her shell,” he said. “By day five or six, the real Lisa began to appear. That’s when everyone watching could finally relax.”

For Dominic—and many fans—the shift was reassuring.

Now, as the series continues, Lisa’s genuine personality has become increasingly visible. Her humor, kindness, and emotional openness have made her one of the standout contestants in the camp.

A Heartfelt Conversation That Touched Viewers

One of the most emotional moments of the season came during a quiet conversation between Lisa and Jack Osbourne.

The two bonded over the loss of loved ones, sharing deeply personal memories that resonated with audiences watching at home.

Jack opened up about the recent passing of his father, legendary musician Ozzy Osbourne, while Lisa reflected on her own devastating loss.

Her mother, Cath, died in 2012 at the age of 57 after a battle with breast cancer that had spread to multiple parts of her body.

For Lisa, the grief was profound and long-lasting.

Dominic later explained that the loss had an enormous impact on her life, and that she struggled deeply in the years that followed.

“She was incredibly close to her mum,” he said. “It affected her for a long time. She grieved heavily for about six years.”

A Moment of Shared Understanding

The emotional conversation between Lisa and Jack revealed a rare vulnerability in the jungle.

For viewers, it was a reminder that behind the reality-TV challenges and humorous camp interactions are real people carrying real pain.

Dominic described the moment as powerful and genuine.

“It was clear they recognized something in each other,” he said. “They understood that shared experience of losing someone you love deeply.”

The moment not only strengthened their friendship but also allowed viewers to see a different side of Lisa—one shaped by resilience and empathy.

Would Dominic Ever Enter the Jungle?

As the interview wrapped up, the panel couldn’t resist asking Dominic whether he would ever follow Lisa’s lead and join I’m a Celebrity himself.

His answer was immediate and brutally honest.

“No chance,” he laughed.

“I’m far too quiet. I think I’d be voted out in the first week.”

For Dominic, watching his friend take on the jungle challenges has been thrilling—but experiencing them firsthand is clearly another matter entirely.

A Journey That’s Winning Hearts

Despite early nerves from those closest to her, Lisa Riley’s time on I’m a Celebrity has quickly become one of the most talked-about highlights of the series.

Her courage during trials, compassion toward fellow contestants, and emotional openness have made her a standout figure in the jungle.

And for fans of Emmerdale, seeing Mandy Dingle’s real-life counterpart shine in such a different environment has been both surprising and inspiring.

As the competition continues, one thing is certain: Lisa Riley has already proven she’s far stronger—and far more resilient—than anyone could have imagined.