Beloved TV actress Lisa Riley has officially traded the familiar comfort of the Yorkshire Dales for the daunting Australian jungle, confirmed as a contestant on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 2025. After years of speculation and fan requests, the star has finally taken the leap, ready to face Bushtucker trials and basic camp life.
A public favourite known for her bubbly personality, Lisa shared her excitement ahead of the adventure. "I’m just here to have fun and a real good laugh," she said, signalling her positive approach to one of her biggest reality TV challenges to date.
Who is Lisa Riley? Age, Hometown, and Career
Lisa Riley is 49 years old and hails from Bury, Greater Manchester. For millions of viewers, she is synonymous with the character Mandy Dingle on the long-running ITV soap, Emmerdale. Her association with the show spans years, with an initial run followed by a break in 2001 before a triumphant return to the role in 2019.
Beyond the soap, Lisa's career is impressively varied. She has presented the hilarious clip show You've Been Framed and been a panellist on Loose Women. Her acting credits also include roles in Fat Friends, Three Girls, and Age Before Beauty.
Lisa has also been open about her remarkable health transformation, having lost an incredible 12 stone. Speaking on This Morning in 2018, she discussed the lifestyle changes that made a difference, identifying crisps as a vice and revealing that alcohol was once a "comfort blanket." Following her journey, she authored a book titled 'Lisa Riley's Honesty Diet'.
Lisa Riley's Personal Life: Partner and IVF Journey
Lisa is happily engaged to her partner, Al, who proposed roughly a decade ago. Despite their long-term commitment, the couple have chosen not to marry. She explained her reasoning in a recent interview, citing the profound loss of her mother and the fact that Al has also lost his parents.
"We’re already married, but not married and honestly, I truly couldn’t cope with the big day without my mum by my side," she told The Mirror. "Why would I want to put myself through that?... We’re 11 years together in June."
The couple have also been candid about their struggles to start a family. Lisa has spoken about undergoing IVF treatment, which was ultimately unsuccessful. She shared that Al supported her decision to stop, noting the toll the process took on her. She has also expressed that adoption is not a path they feel psychologically strong enough to pursue, fearing the complexities for the child involved.
Net Worth and Lasting Legacy
While her exact net worth is not publicly confirmed, it is estimated to be between £1 million and £5 million. This figure is undoubtedly bolstered by her extensive television career and now, her participation in one of ITV's most-watched reality shows. As she enters the jungle, Lisa Riley brings with her a wealth of experience, a resilient spirit, and a promise to bring fun and laughter to the 2025 camp.
