Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, the beloved actress behind Mandy Dingle, has once again made headlines—not for her soap storylines, but for her cheeky and candid commentary on this year’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! series.

The 49-year-old actress sparked a wave of amusement and intrigue when she confessed her camp-time crush on I’m A Celeb presenter Ant McPartlin, declaring him “way tastier” than co-host Declan Donnelly.

While Lisa’s revelation had fans and campmates laughing, it also raised eyebrows at home—particularly for her long-term fiancé, Al Benkovic.

Al, who recently flew to Australia to support Lisa in the jungle, addressed the comments with his signature good humor. Speaking to reporters upon arrival, he laughed off the playful remarks, stating, “There’s no business like show business, right? So it’s all good. I have no fears of her letting me go.” Clearly, Al’s confidence and trust in his partner remain unwavering, and he expressed immense pride in Lisa’s courage and determination to tackle one of reality television’s toughest challenges. “I’m very proud of her,” he said, reflecting the deep admiration he holds for Lisa’s career and her adventurous spirit.

Lisa’s camp confessions about Ant McPartlin were equally entertaining. Speaking openly to her fellow contestants, she didn’t mince words, describing the ITV presenter as “juicy” and “way tastier” than Dec. In a series of cheeky remarks broadcast through the camp’s Bush Telegraph system, she explained: “Oh God, Ant’s… He’s juicy. Dec would look after you, Dec would tuck you in at night—whereas Ant would give you… a nice night.” Lisa further joked, “I’m a red-blooded 49-year-old woman and, yes, I do think Ant McPartlin is very juicy!” Her candid remarks not only brought humor to the camp but also added a playful, human element that fans of the show immediately embraced.

Despite the cheeky crush and her lighthearted comments, Lisa’s time in the jungle is far more than just fun and flirtation. She arrived in Australia ready to tackle the grueling physical and psychological challenges of the series, earning 8/1 odds to be crowned Queen of the Jungle this season. This is a particularly significant moment for Lisa, who has previously declined multiple offers to join the show over the years. The decision to finally say yes was deeply personal, tied to the memory of her late friend and professional dance partner, Robin Windsor, who passed away last year. Robin, who shared the Strictly Come Dancing stage with Lisa in 2012, was reportedly a key motivator in her choice.

Reflecting on Robin’s influence, Lisa revealed, “That is one of the main reasons I want to do it, because he always wanted to do the show, and he thought I was crazy to have said no after all these years. And Robin would be like, ‘You’d be fg hilarious. I can hear him now shouting at me, you would be fg hilarious.’” The heartfelt tribute highlights how personal loss and cherished memories can drive life-changing decisions—even in the unpredictable, often comedic world of reality TV. Lisa’s participation becomes not just a television event, but also a celebration of friendship, courage, and honoring those who inspired her.

While Lisa’s candid crush on Ant has been a talking point, she has emphasized that her jungle journey is about authenticity and embracing the rawness of reality television. She has insisted that she is unbothered by how she appears on screen and fully expects to face the challenges of the jungle shower and other harsh living conditions with humor and resilience. “I love looking raw on telly,” Lisa said. “So when people are like, ‘Oh my God, you are not going to have any fake lashes on,’ and my hair is going to look like a frizz bomb… with all that in mind, people will see that I am going to look like an absolute minger, and I will embrace that, because that is the truth of it.” Her refreshing candor and self-confidence provide a stark contrast to the curated, polished personas often seen on reality TV, endearing her to viewers and emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself.

Al Benkovic’s support in Australia underscores the strength of their relationship. Despite Lisa’s public admiration for Ant, Al’s grounded, humorous response demonstrates the deep trust and respect between the couple. “There’s no business like show business, right? So it’s all good,” he said, capturing the spirit of fun and understanding that defines their bond. By arriving in Australia, Al not only reassures Lisa but also symbolizes the support system that allows her to take bold professional risks while maintaining a strong personal foundation.

The combination of humor, romance, personal reflection, and sheer entertainment value makes Lisa Riley’s jungle journey compelling viewing. Fans are drawn not only to her cheeky observations and candid personality but also to the broader narrative of resilience, courage, and authenticity. Lisa’s willingness to confront challenges, embrace imperfections, and honor the memory of her friend Robin Windsor adds depth and emotional resonance to her participation, elevating her beyond a mere reality TV contestant.

Social media has been abuzz with reactions to Lisa’s comments about Ant McPartlin. Fans have celebrated her wit, laughed at the playful innuendo, and expressed admiration for her candid approach to reality television. Many viewers appreciate that, amid the chaos of the jungle, Lisa brings heart, humor, and humanity to the screen—making her a standout contestant this season. Meanwhile, bookmakers are taking note, with Lisa currently positioned as one of the frontrunners for this year’s crown.

Lisa Riley’s journey on I’m A Celebrity is a perfect example of how personal experience, professional ambition, and natural charisma can combine to create unforgettable television moments. Her blend of cheeky humor, heartfelt tributes, and fearless authenticity ensures that audiences remain captivated, while Al Benkovic’s support provides a grounding element that enhances the narrative with warmth and relatability.

As the jungle challenges intensify, viewers can expect Lisa to continue delivering laughs, heartfelt moments, and jaw-dropping honesty, from her candid crush on Ant McPartlin to the raw reality of life in the Australian wilderness. Her story resonates not just because of its entertainment value, but because it highlights universal themes of love, courage, and staying true to oneself—even under the toughest circumstances.

In conclusion, Lisa Riley’s participation in this year’s I’m A Celebrity series offers a compelling mix of comedy, drama, and emotional resonance. Her cheeky crush on Ant McPartlin, the support of her fiancé Al Benkovic, and her personal motivation stemming from the late Robin Windsor all combine to create a multifaceted narrative that has captivated audiences. From embracing her jungle experience with humor and honesty to tackling challenges with courage and authenticity, Lisa exemplifies what it means to be both a fan-favorite and a television trailblazer.

As viewers continue to follow her journey, the combination of cheeky antics, heartfelt tributes, and unflinching authenticity ensures that Lisa Riley remains one of the most talked-about contestants this season—and a true contender for Queen of the Jungle.