Emmerdale cast member admits she ‘could be going’ ahead of ITV soap shake-up
A beloved member of the Emmerdale cast has discussed her future on the soap, following uncertainty around its future amid the Sky/ITV deal
Lisa Riley has spoken about Emmerdale(Image: Jeff Spicer, Getty Images for the NTA’s)
A member of the Emmerdale cast has opened up about her future on the programme, as she explored other projects she might be pursuing, and her career overall.
Lisa Riley has been a significant presence on British television, both in her role as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, and on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, which earned her a fresh wave of admirers.
Yet, the 49-year-old actress has now revealed what she believes lies ahead for her on the iconic programme, suggesting some doubt.
Speaking to Heat Magazine, she said she doesn’t believe, at least currently, that her character is going anywhere, but indicated that nothing is certain. She revealed: “Whatever happens in the storm…I mean, I could be going…I’m not – I’m signed for a long time.”
When questioned about what viewers can anticipate from Mandy moving forward, including her fraught storyline with Kev Townsend (played by Chris Coghill), she said: “Oh, Mandy’s not happy with Kev. She’s a rogue, so she can spot a fellow rogue a mile off, can’t she? Watch out, Kev – the smother mother might be coming out.”
While Lisa has apparently dismissed an exit of her own, she has remarked on the rumoured departures of others from the show including that of Bradley Johnson.
Lisa Riley(Image: Getty)
In May, it was claimed that the 28-year-old actor, who plays Vinny Dingle, had been axed from the programme. Speaking to the Daily Express, Lisa said she didn’t know where the speculation had originated and that she could neither confirm nor deny.
She revealed: “That’s not confirmed. I don’t know where that’s come from! I can’t confirm nor deny. He’s my dream. We are like family. We’re so close. You can see how much we laugh. We’re a family at Emmerdale and we are really happy.”
Lisa also seized the chance to heap praise upon her co-star, Chris Coghill. She declared: “I adore him. Chris Coghill is a genius to work with, phenomenally funny and on his lines so much that you can play with dialogue with him. Doing comedy is an actor’s dream. I’m his biggest cheerleader.”
There had been fears for Emmerdale’s future after the reported ITV/Sky deal(Image: Getty)
Lisa’s remarks follow reports that Emmerdale’s future had been safeguarded after it was announced that Sky had purchased part of ITV earlier this week, as part of a reported £1.6b deal.
Nevertheless, ITV’s production arm, responsible for programmes such as I’m A Celebrity, has not been incorporated in the agreement despite the media and entertainment division being included.
The programme’s stability was emphasised by Good Morning Britain journalist Richard Arnold, who explained: “All the t’s need to be crossed and the i’s need to be dotted. But the important thing for you guys watching at home is it’s business as normal.
“All your favourites – Corrie, Emmerdale, the faces you wake up to every morning on Good Morning Britain – nothing’s going to change.”