The two tragedies that have led to Lisa Riley joining I’m a Celebrity
She’s known as Emmerdale’s cheeky, not-to-be-messed-with but joyful Mandy Dingle, and now Lisa Riley is hoping to show more of herself in the I’m A Celebrity jungle as she is confirmed for the 2025 line-up.
However, she has made it clear that her inner Mandy could come out if she’s messed with – she will be taking no nonsense from the other contestants, that’s for sure.
But that’s not to say she won’t be optimistic in there, despite being surrounded by egos, earing various forms of vulgar wildlife, and surviving on the dreaded rice and beans.
‘It’s going to be ace! I will be there for everyone but I don’t suffer fools
gladly. My inner Mandy Dingle will come out if someone is mean!’
Celebs, you have been warned!
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Lisa went on to explain how she has been asked numerous times and she felt that with her approaching of 50, the 25th anniversary of playing Mandy, and her achievement of being sober for 10 years, she is ready for a big challenge.
And two personal tragedies in her life also drove her to take it on, as she reasoned nothing in the experience could possibly hurt her as much as they did.
She told us: ‘I lost my best friend not so long ago and mum got diagnosed at the age of 48 (with breast cancer), I’m 49.
‘Nothing can be as bad as that in life and I have got to see if I can do it. Every day is a blessing and I want to really enjoy everything.’
It comes after the death of Strictly professional Robin Winsor last year.
The 25th series of I’m A Celebrity also boasts a number of big names including EastEnders star Shona McGarty, Eddie Kadi, Aitch and Alex Scott MBE.
Completing the line-up are Jack Osbourne, Kelly Brook, Angry Ginge, Ruby Wax OBE and Martin Kemp.