Lisa Riley, the beloved star of ITV's Emmerdale, has expressed immense joy and humility upon being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours. The actor, who will celebrate her 50th birthday on 13th July, described the accolade as the "best 50th birthday present" she could have wished for, acknowledging her recognition for extensive services to drama and charity.
Riley, best known for her long-standing portrayal of Mandy Dingle in the popular soap opera, first appearing from 1995 to 2001 and returning since 2019, shared her profound gratitude. She highlighted her 36-year career in acting, noting that never having a day out of work in the industry was an honour in itself. Her dedication to charitable causes stems from a deeply personal experience, having lost her mother, Cath, to pancreatic cancer.
Following her mother's passing, Riley made a promise to use her public platform to support others. She serves as an ambassador for several charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Maggie’s Yorkshire, Sane, and Sue Ryder. These organisations provided crucial support during her own grief, motivating her to give back. She articulated her commitment to helping as many families as possible, emphasising a shared understanding and collective support for those facing similar challenges.
The actor also extended her thanks to ITV for their "love and loyalty" over the years, noting the historical significance of her award. Riley is the first cast member from Emmerdale to receive an MBE, a fact she cherishes. She spoke of playing Mandy Dingle as a "gift that keeps on giving" and highlighted the importance of sisterhood within the industry. A poignant moment for Riley was feeling her mother's "smile and her electric energy" as she received the honour, a testament to her mother's pride.
Iain Macleod, Creative Director of Continuing Drama at ITV, offered his "hearty congratulations" on behalf of the broadcaster and the Emmerdale team. He praised Riley as a "much-beloved presence on the nation’s screens" and within the soap's cast and crew, acknowledging her compassion and indefatigable positivity. Macleod underscored her significant charity work, describing Riley as a "genuine force for good in the world."
Beyond her iconic role in Emmerdale, Riley's career has included diverse television appearances. She competed in the 10th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, and participated in I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2025, where she finished fifth. Her other notable screen credits include roles in Fat Friends, Age Before Beauty, and presenting You’ve Been Framed, as well as being a panellist on Loose Women. Viewers can watch Emmerdale on ITV1 and catch up on ITVX.