Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Actress Lisa Riley, widely recognized for her role as Mandy Dingle in the popular soap opera Emmerdale for nearly three decades, recently discussed a notable career milestone. In a candid disclosure, Riley also revealed that the passing of her close friend, Robin Windsor, her former Strictly Come Dancing partner, prompted her to seek therapy. This marked a significant step as she had not pursued therapeutic support following the earlier loss of her mother, Cath, to secondary breast cancer at the age of 58.
Advocating for Breast Cancer Awareness
As an ambassador for Breast Cancer Now, Lisa Riley participated in an emotional podcast for the organization. During the podcast, she disclosed the possibility of carrying an altered BRCA gene, which elevates her predisposition to certain cancers. While expressing her profound fear of breast cancer, the illness that claimed her mother’s life, the 48-year-old actress remains committed to maintaining ongoing discussions about breast cancer awareness throughout the year.
Emmerdale’s Breast Cancer Storyline Impact
Emmerdale‘s narrative arc, featuring her character Chas Dingle discovering a breast lump, deeply resonated with viewers and initiated vital conversations about the disease. Riley emphasized the significant influence of soap operas in addressing sensitive health issues. “The public response to storylines such as Marlon’s stroke and Paddy’s suicide attempt has been considerable,” Riley noted. “Given Chas is my close relative in the show, I have received expressions of gratitude from the public for the breast cancer storyline. By depicting mammograms and smear tests within Emmerdale, we aspire to potentially save lives,” she stated.
Personal Health Concerns and Vigilance
Approaching her 49th birthday, Lisa Riley acknowledged experiencing bodily changes and admitted to feelings of health anxieties, particularly due to her mother’s early breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent death. “Any alteration in my body makes me contemplate if it is ‘my time,’ especially given my mother’s diagnosis at a similar age,” Riley explained. “Reaching 48, the age my mother was when diagnosed, feels incredibly surreal. I am diligent about self-examination and undergoing mammograms, but it remains a source of fear. However, I am determined not to live in perpetual fear, which I refer to as ‘The Green Mile of life’. One cannot exist in constant apprehension.”
Coping with Grief and Loss
Lisa Riley openly discussed the distress of losing her mother at a young age and how this experience propelled her into early maturity. “My mother passed away prematurely. I was compelled to mature very rapidly,” Riley shared. “Her passing was deeply shocking because I suddenly had to manage everything independently, which is particularly challenging in this industry. I realized she was not just the foundation of my career; she was more than just my mother – she was my closest confidante. And then she was gone. Abruptly, I had to be self-reliant. However, she instilled strength in me. She ignited that inner drive,” she recounted.
Continuing Connection and Enduring Grief
Riley confessed to still grappling with her mother’s absence and frequently seeking her guidance. “There are instances when I silently ask, ‘Mum, what course of action would you take? Please send me a sign’,” she revealed. “I maintain a constant dialogue with her. Some may dismiss this as irrational, but if it provides solace, it should be respected. I perceive feathers as signs; the scent of Chanel perfume feels like her presence. While I remain generally self-assured, her absence has diminished some of that confidence. People are often quick to judge, saying, ‘It has been years; you should move on’.”
Riley finds such sentiments insensitive. “I consider that viewpoint absurd. Grief is a perpetual sorrow – one simply learns to coexist with it. Occasionally, the impulse to call her arises, followed by an unexpected rush of tears. It is a profound void.”
Milestone Anniversaries and Celebrations
As Lisa Riley approaches her 50th birthday next year, she articulated her gratitude for being “healthy and possessing a deep enthusiasm for life.” This year holds added significance as July 25th marks her 30th anniversary on the Emmerdale set. Riley is planning a significant celebration to commemorate this special milestone.
Reflecting on the Role of Mandy Dingle
Reflecting on her character Mandy Dingle, Riley remarked, “She is a joy to embody. There are constant novel developments, and it invariably involves elaborate costumes and styling. My close friend, Dominic Brunt, who portrays Paddy Kirk and has been my on-screen husband for many years, and I share genuine affection for each other.”
Overcoming Adversity and Seeking Support
The past year presented considerable challenges for Lisa Riley, marked by the grief of not only her mother’s passing but also the loss of her cherished Strictly Come Dancing partner, Robin Windsor, followed by the unexpected death of her aunt while on vacation.
Following Windsor’s passing, Riley sought therapy, which she describes as transformative. Reflecting on their deep connection, she disclosed, “To be candid, I lost more than just a companion – I lost my trusted advisor. Were it not for the unwavering encouragement from our work colleagues, there are days when I doubt my ability to continue. They have been my constant support. Even amidst cheerful moments and character portrayal, the sorrow persists.”
Work as a Source of Solace and Partner Support
Reflecting on her choice not to take extended time off work after personal bereavement, Riley admitted, “I discovered comfort in my professional life, as I did after my mother’s death. Donning Mandy Dingle’s makeup and going to work became my way of coping.”
She also acknowledged the steadfast support from her partner, Al, during these trying times. “We are content in our relationship, and in June, we will celebrate 11 years together. The reality is we are deeply committed to one another, although we have not officially formalized our union,” she shared.