Lisa Riley, known for her beloved role as Mandy Dingle on the long-running soap opera *Emmerdale*, has recently opened up about her significant weight loss journey and the personal challenges that have shaped her life. Currently participating in *I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!*, Riley’s journey has captured the attention of fans and viewers alike.
Transforming Life and Health
Since joining *Emmerdale* in 1995, Riley has become a familiar face on British television. Her character Mandy has been central to numerous dramatic storylines, including a complex relationship with Paddy Kirk and the revelation of her son Vinny Dingle’s troubled family background. However, behind the scenes, the 49-year-old Riley has faced her own battles, particularly regarding her health.
Over an 18-month period, she made the decision to lose an impressive 12 stone, transforming her from a size 28 to a size 12. Instead of opting for quick fixes, Riley committed to a healthier lifestyle, which involved changing her diet and engaging in regular exercise. This remarkable transformation, while commendable, was not without its challenges.
Riley has spoken candidly about the painful reality of excess skin following her weight loss, which weighed more than 1.5 stone. She described the discomfort, stating, “When you are on this weight loss journey, food becomes the enemy… But the movement was becoming a severe problem. It really hurt.” This struggle was highlighted in her 2017 documentary, *Lisa Riley’s Baggy Body Club*, where she revealed her feelings of disgust towards her body after losing weight.
Facing Fears and Personal Loss
Riley decided to undergo surgery to remove the excess skin, a choice often viewed as cosmetic. However, she emphasized that for her, it was a necessary correction rather than a cosmetic enhancement. “I don’t feel like I have had cosmetic surgery; I have corrected what I had done to myself,” she explained.
This transformation journey was further complicated by personal tragedy. In 2012, Riley lost her mother, Cath, to secondary breast cancer at the age of 58. Reflecting on this loss, she shared, “Mum went way before her time… I had to grow up really quickly. When I lost her, it blew my mind.” This experience has profoundly impacted Riley’s life choices, including her decision not to marry her long-term partner, Al, with whom she has been in a relationship for 11 years.
Riley stated, “We’re already married, but not married,” adding that she could not envision having a wedding without her mother present. “Why would I want to put myself through that?” she asked. This sentiment resonates with the emotional weight of her past, particularly as Al has also faced the loss of his mother.
As Riley continues her journey on *I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!*, her story serves as a reminder of resilience in the face of adversity. She has shown that personal growth often comes with challenges and that navigating through loss can shape one’s perspective on life and relationships.
*Emmerdale* continues to air weekdays on ITV and ITVX, where fans can still enjoy Riley’s captivating performances as she balances her professional commitments with her personal journey.
