Emmerdale legend Lisa Riley revealed a new skill as she spilled the tea on her showbiz career during a special visit to Bolton. Lisa, who plays soap icon Mandy Dingle, returned to the town she fell in love with while growing up in neighbouring Bury to host an afternoon tea at Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2022.
And, as she swapped the Yorkshire Dales on the ITV soap to meet fans in Bolton town centre, she demonstrated that she has been learning British Sign Language by communicating with members of the deaf community at the event. Lisa, 46, has had three lessons so far and she impressed fans as she built on her knowledge with a fellow guest and BSL user Scott Ford who travelled over from Hartlepool.
Beautielady commented on Lisa's Instagram: "To see you was absolutely lovely this afternoon and trying your best effort to learn BSL sign language. You learn so quick and I'm sure you will improved your sign skills. You have a lovely personality!"
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And Scott told her: "It was absolute pleasure to have met you and spent a fantastic good few hours and was well worth it! You’re such a beautiful, warm and a bubbly person (& extremely supportive and understanding) and your effort to learn BSL (Aka - British Sign Language) was incredible! Keep learning and keep going you done me proud x"
Lisa, who has a TV career spanning 30 years, has played soap icon Mandy in the ITV soap since 1995. She cut a glam figure at the festival in an elegant all-black outfit accessorised with a colourful patterned scarf. The actress wore her dark tresses pulled back from her face with dramatic smoky eye makeup, fluttery lashes and a nude lip.
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She teamed up with Bolton's Sushma Snacks to provide fans with the chance to hear some of her on-set stories and backstage secrets while they enjoyed an Indian-inspired take on the British classic at the Alberts Halls. Sushma’s menu consists of spicy potato and chicken tikka sandwiches, with edible spoons smothered in crème cheese and smoked salmon, chicken samosas, vegetable spring rolls, bhel - an Indian street food favourite, and for dessert masala chai scones, raspberry tart with custard and mango cups with mint.
Returning for its 17th year, the Bolton Food and Drink Festival is transforming the town's streets for four days over the August bank holiday weekend with 180 market stalls and traders, celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, comedy acts, street performers, live music and children’s activities. As well as celebrating the best of Bolton and surrounding Greater Manchester, guests can also enjoy appearances from TV chefs The Hairy Bikers, Ainsley Harriott and James Martin.
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