Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley reveals whether she’s leaving in cast shake-up
Could Mandy be departing?
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has discussed her future on the ITV soap amid a major cast shake-up, which has seen reports that a big figure in the Dingle family could be departing in the near future.
The actor debuted as Mandy Dingle back in 1995, with her first stint in the series coming to an end six years later. She returned to the soap in 2019, and has been a popular figure ever since.
During an appearance in today’s episode of Loose Women, Riley was questioned about her future on the soap, with Jane Moore remarking that she had “read” that the actor was leaving the series.
Riley, however, dismissed the rumours, replying: “I’m not leaving. No, I’m not leaving at all. We can quash that completely. I’m very much staying as Mandy Dingle for a very long time.”
The news comes amid a tumultuous time on the soap, with a major cast shake-up being in the works. Earlier this month, it was reported that Bradley Johnson, who plays Riley’s on-screen adoptive son Vinny, was departing later this year.
It has also been reported that Nick Miles, who plays Jimmy King, is leaving after 22 years in the role, while Olivia Bromley’s eight-year stint as Dawn Fletcher is reportedly coming to an end too. Furthermore, Georgia Jay confirmed her exit as Steph Miligan today.
It’s not all bad news, however, as some familiar faces will be coming back. Chris Coghill is set to reprise his role as Kev Townsend later this year, while Patsy Kensit is returning as Sadie King after two decades away.
“I am really excited to return to Emmerdale,” said Kensit. “I treasure the years I was here before. Sadie King is a character that I really loved playing. The cast and crew are absolutely brilliant and I am so grateful for the chance to return to the show.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Patsy back to the cast and crucially to see the iconic Sadie King storm back into the village,” added Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw earlier this month.
“Her return will be explosive and guaranteed to shock. Sadie’s seductive demeanour, combined with her utterly ruthless nature, are set to deliver a spectacular and highly dramatic touch of class to the Yorkshire Dales.”
