Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley issues health update after bad fall

Lisa Riley, known as the legendary Mandy Dingle on the Yorkshire Dales-set ITV programme revealed she had a “very bad fall” at the weekend, which resulted in “massive damage” – a UCL tear in her thumb.

The actress, who appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in December last year blamed the accident on an “extremely slippy” breakfast stool and her cardigan.

Lisa has also praised her specialist surgeon at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) for looking after her.

In a post on Instagram, the 49-year-old told her followers on Wednesday evening: “OUR NHS @nhsengland IS INCREDIBLE……. I have to massively thank my specialist surgeon Mr Daniel Thornton at LGI LEEDS hospital and all the beautiful team, every single one of you who treated me this afternoon – I had a very bad fall over the weekend (no I’m sober) no drunk jokes – it was my extremely slippy breakfast stool and a woollen cardi – my left thumb took all of it – so today hence the massive damage I have had my operation, surgery, treating my UCL in my Thumb repaired.

“#NHS at it’s absolute best – bye for now I have some fantastic pain relief to take #surgery #leeds #hospital #thumb.”

The photos in the social media post show Lisa posing with her arm in a foam sling, and smiling next to her surgeon.

Many of Lisa’s celebrity friends and fans have sent well wishes to the Emmerdale favourite, including presenter Steph McGovern who commented: “Oh no!! Sending love xx.”

Former jungle queen Scarlett Moffatt replied: “Sending love chick xxxx.”

Coronation Street star Cait Fitton put: “Sending love beautiful one.”

Is Lisa Riley going back to Emmerdale?

Lisa recently returned to Emmerdale as Mandy (a role she has played for more than 30 years) after taking a break to appear on I’m a Celeb.

Towards the end of 2025, her character was seen heading off to stay with Irish relatives, so Lisa could take time out to film the ITV show in Australia for three weeks.

Although Lisa has been in high demand after becoming the eighth celebrity to leave the jungle in December, Emmerdale still remains her primary focus.

She told The Sun last month: “That is where my heart lies — I love working there.

“I never ever take anything for granted and, as long as the Emmerdale ­producers want me, I want to stay.

“I’ve just signed a new one-year ­contract. If I were to take any extra things on, it would have to be around Emmerdale.”

Who is in I’m a Celebrity South Africa 2026?

Following Lisa’s success on I’m a Celeb 2025, the spin-off series will be returning in just a matter of weeks.

I’m a Celebrity South Africa will be back on our TV screens for a second year, starting on Monday, April 6 from 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

An all-star cast made up of those who have left their mark in the Australian jungle over the years, will be battling it out once more to be crowned the ultimate legend.

The celebrities taking part are:

• Adam Thomas
• Ashley Roberts
• Scarlett Moffatt
• David Haye
• Beverley Callard
• Seann Walsh
• Sinitta
• Sir Mo Farah
• Gemma Collins
• Craig Charles
• Jimmy Bullard
• Harry Redknapp

The series, hosted by Ant and Dec was pre-recorded in South Africa last year, but a twist for 2026 will see viewers able to vote for their winner during a live final broadcast from London.

The champion will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of I’m a Celebrity South Africa 2025’s ultimate legend, Myleene Klass.

Who are you most excited to watch on the programme when it starts in April? Let us know who your favourite I’m a Celeb campmate is, in the comments below.