Lisa Riley Opens Up on Weight Loss Journey and Relationship Status

Lisa Riley, known for her role as Mandy Dingle on the long-running soap opera Emmerdale, is currently taking a break from the series to participate in this season’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!. The actress has been a cherished figure on ITV since her debut in 1995, where her character has been involved in numerous dramatic storylines, including her intense romance with Paddy Kirk and the challenging circumstances surrounding her son, Vinny Dingle.

In a significant personal transformation, the 49-year-old actress underwent a remarkable weight loss journey, shedding an impressive 12 stone over the span of just 18 months. Rather than seeking quick fixes, Lisa committed to a healthier lifestyle that emphasized nutritious eating and regular workouts. This dedication resulted in a change from a size 28 to a size 12.

Despite the positive outcome, the journey was not without its challenges. Lisa dealt with discomfort from excess skin, weighing over 1.5 stone, which led to difficulties in her daily life. She described the experience, stating: “When you are on this weight loss journey, food becomes the enemy, and you have to go to the gym, you have to move. But the movement was becoming a severe problem.” The physical discomfort was compounded by emotional struggles, as Lisa expressed feelings of being “revolted” by her image after the transformation.

In her 2017 documentary, Lisa Riley’s Baggy Body Club, she documented her decision to undergo surgery to remove the excess skin. This choice, often viewed as cosmetic, was deeply personal for her. “I don’t feel like I have had cosmetic surgery, I have corrected what I had done to myself,” she explained. The night before her surgery, she experienced intense fear about the risks involved, admitting, “I was thinking that in 11 hours, I could be dead. I might not wake up.”

Lisa’s weight loss journey coincided with profound personal loss, as she tragically lost her mother, Cath, to secondary breast cancer in 2012 at the age of 58. Reflecting on this loss, Lisa said, “Mum went way before her time. I had to grow up really quickly. When I lost her, it blew my mind.” This event not only shaped her life but also had a lasting impact on her views about marriage.

Though in a committed relationship with her partner, Al, for over 11 years, Lisa has expressed reluctance to enter into marriage. She explained, “We’re already married, but not married. And honestly, I truly couldn’t cope with the big day without my mum by my side.” Al has also faced loss, having lost his mother recently, which adds another layer of complexity to their situation. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’re 11 years together in June,” she concluded.

Emmerdale continues to air weekdays on ITV and ITVX, with Lisa’s character remaining a focal point of the show. As she navigates her personal journey, her story resonates with many, highlighting themes of resilience, transformation, and the importance of emotional support in overcoming life’s challenges.