Emmerdale fans have been missing the loveable and lively Mandy Dingle as she's been absent in recent episodes of the ITV soap.
Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy in the soap, has been taking a break from the show after suffering the heartbreaking loss of her grandmother. The actress also didn't attend the British Soap Awards earlier this month following her family bereavement.
However, the soap star has now shared some positive news for fans by giving an update on her return to Emmerdale.
Related: Emmerdale's Chas makes big mistake over Faith
Taking to Instagram, the actress confirmed she's returned to work and has been filming scenes for the ITV soap and had also undertaken a new project.
Sharing a smiley selfie on her feed, Riley captioned the post: "Just finished filming a lovely day in studio at @emmerdale, now on my way in the car down south to film something else for the day… should be a REALLY good giggle, I'm looking forward for it."
The soap star kept tight-lipped about the other mystery project she was filming but went on to share more details of her Emmerdale comeback.
Related: Emmerdale confirms Laurel's next love interest
When one fan questioned when they could expect to see Mandy back in Emmerdale, Riley confirmed: "Middle of July".
Her followers were thrilled to hear she was back in front of the cameras once more.
"Can't wait to see Mandy back in Emmerdale," one Instagram user wrote, with another adding: "Miss Mandy in Emmerdale, but I hope you are keeping well".
Following the death of her grandmother Riley paid tribute on social media, writing: "Today, we know, will be the toughest day, we lean on each other, you are now at peace, yet we are all craving your energy around the house. God has gained another Angel. May you light up heaven with your warmth and your infectious smile. I will be trying to be strong for the both of us."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV and streams on the ITV Hub.
50 Years of Emmerdale: The official Story of TV's most iconic rural drama
Request video message from selected Emmerdale stars past and present
If the Cap Fits: My Rocky Road to Emmerdale by Steve Halliwell
![Emmerdale Farm - Vol. 1 [DVD] [1972]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1568651758-515sfWjRcqL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Emmerdale Farm - Vol. 1 [DVD] [1972]")
![Emmerdale - The Dingles For Richer For Poorer [DVD]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1568651981-51KI1Ifvg-L.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Emmerdale - The Dingles For Richer For Poorer [DVD]")
Emmerdale - The Dingles For Richer For Poorer [DVD]
News Editor, Digital Spy
Emma is an experienced entertainment news journalist with NCTJ accreditation and a First-Class Honours Degree in Journalism. Having started her career as a broadcast journalist, Emma’s voice has been heard on varying radio stations across the UK including Absolute, Magic, BBC Three Counties Radio, LBC London News and more.
Later specialising in multimedia entertainment news, Emma has brushed shoulders with numerous famous faces and interviewed the likes of Edward Norton, Margot Robbie, Sir Michael Palin, Rick Astley, and too many soap stars to count. Having produced a range of engaging news content over the years for brands such as 7Digital’s Entertainment News, Yahoo, and Express Online, Emma eventually joined Digital Spy in 2022 as Deputy News Editor, becoming Acting News Editor in 2023 and then News Editor in 2024.
While she’s gained lots of praise during celebrity interviews throughout her career, the most memorable compliment Emma’s ever received was when a Game of Thrones star remarked "Your teeth are stunning!". LinkedIn
