Lisa Riley: Everything you need to know

From Emmerdale to You've Been Framed

lisa

by Laura Donaldson |
Published on

She was a staple of British TV in the 90s and we fell in love with her all over again she wowed on Strictly in 2012. Now she's back in the spotlight thanks to her incredible - and sensible - 6 stone weight loss, here's everything you need to know about the fantastic Lisa Riley...

Lisa Riley's early life

Lisa was born on July 13 1976 in Brury, Greater Manchester. She trained in acting at the Oldham Theatre Workshop from the age of nine, and was signed by an agent three years later.

Lisa Riley's early career

After some early roles - including appearances as an extra in Coronation Street - Lisa's first breakthrough role in UK television was playing Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale. She played the character for six and a half years and in she won the National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer for her work.

lisaemmerdale
lisaemmerdale

Lisa Riley on You've Been Framed

Riley went on then to present You've Been Framed from 1998 to 2002, taking over from the former presenter, Jeremy Beadle. Riley proved very successful with fans and raised viewers figures to more than 13 million during her time on the show.

lisastrictly
lisastrictly

Lisa Riley on Strictly Come Dancing

In 2012 Lisa signed up as a contestant on the tenth series of Strictly Come Dancing. She was partnered with Robin Windsor and the two were the hit of the series.

lisastrictly
lisastrictly

The pair had many notable moments including Riley lifting Windsor and Riley doing the splits at Wembley Arena. The couple were eliminated during the semi-finals, with Louis Smith eventually winning, but went on to appear on the 2013 Live Tour.

Lisa told Closer at the time that the show had “changed her life” and made her more confident than ever. "Curves make women sexy and Strictly has made me feel like a right minx!" she said.

Lisa Riley love and relationships

Lisa's past romances have included a fling with married actor Nick Holly and a relationship with a care home manager. She's now happily single and says her love of gay men could be holding her back from finding a boyfriend.

“I love going to Chanel to buy handbags with my gay friends, then spending the evening with them at a musical. I’m so camp, I’m even planning to dress up my baby nephew, Jake, in a tutu when he’s a bit older and teach him the Billy Elliot dances!" she told us back in 2013.

“Now I’m so used to the frivolous gay sense of humour, it’s hard to go out with a straight man who watches rugby and is all serious.

“It’s easy to go to a christening and pull a mate’s cousin, but I’m crap at the dating side of things because I’m always so busy!"

Lisa Riley weight loss

Lisa recently showed off an incredible 6 stone weight loss. She explained to Bella magazine that she felt compelled to go on a health kick after her dad was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

She also revealed she's not into fad tricks for weight loss, saying:“I’m not on a diet - diets don't work.

“It's been about awareness and lifestyle. I'm loads more active than I used to be.”

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