Lisa Riley missed out on accepting an award at Saturday's British Soap Awards due to a 'family issue,' as her Emmerdale castmates offered an explanation.
Lisa is a legend of soap world thanks to playing the iconic Mandy Dingle in the ITV soap, a role which she has reprised on numerous occasions. Ex Fat Friends and Strictly star Lisa is at the thick of the action right now as Mandy and she should have been on stage to join on-screen relatives like James Hooton's Sam and Mark Charnock's Marlon as The Dingles won the new award for Best Family.
As Emmerdale were the big British Soap Award winners this year, The Dingles saw off competition from the likes of The McQueens from Hollyoaks and EastEnders' Carters to triumph in the fan voted category. It was down to co-star James to address Lisa's absence, explaining it was down to a 'family issue' and wishing her well.
READ MORE: Emmerdale cast upset fans with announcement on soap legend's death
Lisa herself elaborated on the situation on her social media channels a few days earlier, revealing her Nana had died. She wrote: "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 try to be strong for the both of us.”
The Emmerdale cast had a great night at the awards, Mark took home the award for Dramatic Performance, Paige Sandhu won Leading Performance and the show won the big one - Best Soap.
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