Lisa Riley has opened up about reprising her character Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale, saying that a reunion between Mandy and ex-husband Paddy is “what the public wants”.
Teasing that a reunion between the two may be on the cards, Mandy and Paddy, played by Dominic Brunt, 52, are set to become close again, following the latter’s split from his wife, Chas Dingle, following her infidelity.
Lisa, 46, revealed in a new interview that Mandy still has feelings for her ex, however, doesn’t want to be treated “like a doormat”.
She said: “They just start talking about day trips they had in Blackpool. It's full nostalgia. And then their song comes on, which is Tina Turner's What's Love Got To Do With It, and Mandy's fighting and fighting. They're locking eyes and Mandy is going, 'No.' Mandy doesn't want to be a doormat again.
Lisa continued: “She's always been a doormat when it comes to relationships and she refuses, because she knows it's not right and I think in the back of her head she can also hear the rest of the family going, 'Mandy, don't do it.' But when Tina Turner comes on they think it's a sign, someone's telling them.”
The former flames have endured an on and off relationship since 1999 when they married, before splitting due to infidelity.
Hoping for a fresh start for Mandy and Paddy, Lisa argued that fans of the show would also want the same.
She explained: “All over social media, it's what they want. What we did realise was when the pandemic hit everybody was watching Paddy and Mandy on the lunchtime and they just loved it. That generation weren't even born.”
Alongside starring on Emmerdale, Lisa has recently started up a new sideline in making some extra cash.
The actress took to social media to tell fans of her new venture, as she recently signed up to Cameo, a service that allows fans to order personalised video messages from their favourite stars.
Lisa joins the likes of Coronation Street ’s William Roache and former EastEnders actress Rita Simmons on the service.
Posting on her social media channels, Lisa said: "I am so so so happy to tell you all….I’ve just signed up to @cameo so if you wanted a personalised message for ANY upcoming event, for someone special. Click on the link and make it happen".
