Soap favourite Lisa Riley is making the dramatic switch from the Yorkshire Dales to the Australian jungle as she joins the cast of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 2025. The Emmerdale actress, who had previously declined invitations to appear on the reality show, has finally accepted the challenge for the programme's landmark 25th series.
From Dales to Down Under
Lisa Riley has officially begun her jungle adventure, having flown to Australia alongside the rest of the celebrity contestants. This marks a significant career move for the actor, who has been a familiar face on British television screens for decades. Her departure from Emmerdale is temporary, with the soap having arranged her absence while she films the reality programme in November 2025.
The decision to join I'm a Celebrity comes after Riley had openly discussed turning down the show in previous years. ITV bosses had extended invitations multiple times, but 2025 proved to be the year she finally said yes to the jungle experience.
Who is Lisa Riley?
Most viewers will recognise Lisa Riley as Mandy Dingle from ITV's long-running soap Emmerdale. She first joined the cast in 1995 and remained with the show until 2001, making a triumphant return in 2019. Her comeback initially began as a guest appearance but quickly evolved into a permanent role, and she has been a fixture of the soap ever since.
Beyond her Emmerdale fame, Riley has enjoyed a diverse television career. She presented the popular clip show You've Been Framed from 1998 to 2002 and has been a regular panellist on Loose Women. Her acting credits include appearances in Waterloo Road, Scott & Bailey, Fat Friends, The Bill, and Holby City.
In 2012, Riley showcased her dancing skills on Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in fifth place during that season. She has maintained connections with the dance competition in subsequent years, including hosting the Friday panel show.
What to expect from her jungle journey
As Lisa Riley trades the comfort of the Emmerdale set for the unpredictable jungle environment, fans are eager to see how she handles the notorious bushtucker trials and camp life. Her background in entertainment and her personable nature suggest she could become a popular campmate among both viewers and fellow celebrities.
The 2025 series of I'm a Celebrity promises to be particularly special as it celebrates 25 years of the programme. Riley's participation adds to the excitement, especially given her status as a well-known television personality who has been part of British cultural life for nearly three decades.
While Mandy Dingle will be temporarily absent from Emmerdale screens, soap fans can follow Riley's jungle adventures when the new series airs on ITV. Her decision to finally embrace the I'm a Celebrity challenge after previous refusals makes her participation one of the most anticipated aspects of the upcoming season.
