After a massive 17 years away from Emmerdale it has been confirmed that Lisa Riley, who played Mandy Dingle, will be returning to the soap in the New Year.
Lisa starred in the show between 1995–2001, but decided to leave the show to pursue further TV work.
Now, the actress has been announced to return to the show in a self-contained storyline.
ITV have revealed that although the village is relatively calm in the run up to her return, as any Emmerdale fan will know, Mandy was always the centre of high drama, so no doubt there will be much action when she returns.
Speaking about her return to the soap, Lisa said: "I could not be happier to be returning in the New Year to Emmerdale. It’s something I never thought would happen after 17 years and I am so interested to see what trouble Mandy is capable of causing. But mostly being back with all my old friends, it’s like I’ve never been away."
CHECK OUT Emmerdale spoilers Monday 19 - Friday 23 November: what next for Chas and Paddy?
Emmerdale Spoilers: week 47
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Con man Clive arranges a room at the B&B for the afternoon and fiancée Leyla is suspicious when he leaves without his phone. Soon after Frank and Clive sneak art supplies into the B&B.
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Before long Leyla bursts in and demands an explanation. Clive comes clean about their plan and the pair attempt to convince her to join up with them.
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Later, as Frank and Clive discuss Leyla she arrives and the pair are left concerned about what she's going to say.
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She explains to Clive she refuses to take part in their scheme and Frank is panicked when he is ordered to tell Megan about the con. Will Frank tell Megan the truth and will he back out of the deal?
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Chas opens up to Lydia and Paddy confides in Marlon about the growing distance between them. Marlon assures him it will all work out and they plan a surprise meal for Chas.
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However, the meal backfires and their argument spills out into the bar. As everyone awkwardly leaves the Woolpack, the row continues to escalate and Chas orders Paddy to leave.
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Once Chas is alone she rips down the decorations before sinking to the floor in tears.
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Over at Tall Trees, Marlon comforts a devastated Paddy and tries to advise him while Eric Pollard reaches out to Chas whilst opening up about his own sad past.
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Nicola is frustrated and struggling with child care as Jimmy is away on a haulage job and whilst Aaron is away with Seb, Robert steps in to help. Nicola realises he is missing Seb and to solve both their money problems, they decide on a scheme together.
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Robert, helped by Nicola is going to try and wrestle control of the Haulage firm away from Graham. Later, Nicola and Robert prepare the paperwork they are going to use in order to trick Graham into signing.
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Letting themselves into Home Farm they call out for Graham, but on finding him passed out on the sofa, they get a drunken Graham to sign the paperwork.
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Rhona and Pete plan to take some time alone. But despite their efforts to spend the day together are interrupted by Paddy, then Vanessa.
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Rhona suggests they head over to Dale View instead. Believing they are alone, they snog on the sofa. However, unbeknownst to them, they are being watched by an intruder.
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Maya tries to reason with Jacob but later when she and David kiss, Jacob is jealous.
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He tells them he's dating Liv and lies about having sex with her.
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Meanwhile, Tracy comes up with a business plan at the cafe in the evening but will it work or will her plans be scuppered?
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Emmerdale Producer Kate Brooks added: "Iconic Mandy Dingle returns to the village carrying a secret that turns lives upside down. She’s a character bursting with fun who certainly ruffles a few feathers during her short stint back in the village, and she clearly hasn't lost any of the joie de vivre that made Mandy so popular and enjoyable to watch. We're delighted to welcome Lisa back to Emmerdale."
Lisa has kept busy over the last 12 years, winning a seat on the Loose Women panel and appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, however, she has always said that she'd love to return to the Dales someday.
Emmerdale continues weekdays at 7pm on ITV.