Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley has confirmed her character Mandy Dingle is set to return to the Dales soon after taking time away from the ITV soap.
The 45-year-old actress has been missing from the soap in recent episodes and was also absent from the British Soap Awards this month after she lost her grandmother.
However, the soap star has now shared an Instagram update with Emmerdale on her return, confirming she’s now back at work and has been filming scenes.
Sharing a beaming selfie with her followers, Lisa wrote in the caption: “Just finished filming a lovely day in studio at Emmerdale, now on my way in the car down south to film something else for the day… should be a REALLY good giggle, I'm looking forward for it.”
While the soap star didn’t share any further details about the second project with fans, she did answer questions on her Emmerdale return in the comments.
A fan asked when they could expect to see Mandy back in Emmerdale and Lisa confirmed: "Middle of July".
Her followers were thrilled to hear she is back on the soap, with one writing: “Can't wait to see Mandy back in Emmerdale,” as another added: “Miss Mandy in Emmerdale, but I hope you are keeping well.”
Lisa paid tribute to her grandmother on social media after her death, writing: "Today, we know, will be the toughest day, we lean on each other, you are now at peace, yet we are all craving your energy around the house.
“God has gained another Angel. May you light up heaven with your warmth and your infectious smile. I will be trying to be strong for the both of us.”
Lisa Riley explained her absence from the British Soap Awards earlier this month after her co-star James Hooton, who plays Sam Dingle, said it was down to a “family issue” and she was doing well.
Just a few days before the Soap Awards, Lisa revealed she had bought a pair of shoes to wear to the ceremony, but joked she was unable to walk in them.
The awards, which were shown on ITV, proved to be a big night for Emmerdale, which scooped a series of gongs.
Not only did it win Best Soap, but the Dingles won Best Family, and Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle, was honoured with Best Dramatic Performance, while actress Paige Sandhu, who plays serial killer Meena, won Best Leading Performance.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV.
