Emmerdale star reveals character was almost 'written out' of ITV soap

Yahoo

2 days ago

An Emmerdale star has opened up on the death of her mother and her 'best friend' saying she 'learned a lot about grief' in the process.
Lisa Riley, known for playing Mandy Dingle on the ITV soap, lost her mother in July 2012.
The tragedy was just months before she joined BBC dancing show Strictly Come Dancing, where she was paired up with Robin Windsor.
Riley credits Windsor for helping her get through the grief and has now opened up on her mother and Windsor's deaths.
Really excited to be going on @GMB this coming Thursday 12th June. Launching something very dear to my heart with @Sue_Ryder and discussing what's coming up for Mandy & Paddy in @emmerdale 💛💛💛 #gmb #goodmorning #goodmorningbritain #sueryder #charity #emmerdale #london 💙💙💙 pic.twitter.com/x2al9VcDE7
— LISA RILEY (BLUE TICK) (@Reallisariley) June 10, 2025
Robin Windsor died in February last year at the age of 44.
The Latin and ballroom dancer was best known for appearing on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
His cause of death was not given.
Riley has now opened up on coping with the deaths of Windsor and her mother on ITV's Good Morning Britain.
She said: 'I've learned a lot about grief and how to deal with it, and how to be open and to literally ask for help, because it's okay.
'Sometimes people go really within, my brother's that person, we all deal with things differently, and I was pressing the bravado button going, 'I've got to go out and play Mandy Dingle every day, I've got to dress up as Mandy and be funny'.
'There were some days I didn't want to be funny, I'm lucky with the brilliant girls in my dressing room, where we lean on each other, and my work with Sue Ryder, I've realised that there is a helpline out there.
'The internet is brilliant, there are so many places you can go to, Sue Ryder being one of them for help.'
She also praised the Emmerdale team for their support, calling them 'phenomenal' after they offered to write out her character to give her time off.
Riley added that she wanted to continue working, saying she 'knows it's what Robin would have wanted'.
The actress said: 'Me, being me, I didn't want to be at home in my bedroom, or at home thinking about it too much, I had to carry on with my day job.
'But the make-up girls, what people at home won't know when they're watching Emmerdale is I was having my make-up done three times because I couldn't get it together, I couldn't, day in, day out, and work were brilliant, like we know, we'll write you out, we'll give you time off should you need it.
Fans have taken to social media to send support to Riley after opening up about her grief.
She posted an Instagram reel in support of the Sue Ryder Charity, saying: "You are never ever ever alone with @surerydercharity. Please go to the webpage if you are struggling - there will be someone to listen."
One fan replied: "Sending hugs Lisa, how brave you are for sharing your story, your Mum sounds like a wonderful woman."
A second added: "This made me cry, bless ur heart, Lisa, your mum would be so proud of the lovely woman you are. Lots of love."
A number of characters have left the popular ITV soap this year.
Emmerdale legend Lesley Dunlop, who plays Brenda Walker, has left after 16 years.
Recommended reading:
Emmerdale star who quit soap 2 years ago hints at return in wake of limo crash
Emmerdale's Oliver Farnworth's partner is EastEnders star
Emmerdale could 'move' to Manchester as ex ITV boss warns of major budget cuts
Rachael Gill-Davis, who is known for playing Gail Loman, has also exited the programme, after her character realised that she wants more from her life than working in her boyfriend's pub.
The actress first made a brief appearance in 2019 before making a longer-term return in 2023.
Paula Lane (Ella Forster), has also left the soap opera this year.