Emmerdale star Lisa Riley opens up on big return to the soap after devastating personal loss

EMMERDALE legend Lisa Riley has revealed some good news about Mandy Dingle - telling fans when she will return to screens.

The 45-year-old star has been away from the soap after she lost her beloved grandmother.

She also missed the British Soap Awards and later shared the heartbreaking reason for her absence with fans.

But posting on Instagram yesterday, Lisa revealed she was back with a bang, saying she'd spent the day at the soap's Leeds set.

She said: "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."

She added: "Should be a REALLY good giggle, I’m looking forward for it. 💛💛💛" and added the Emmerdale hashtag.

When a fan asked when they could expect to see Mandy back in Emmerdale, Lisa replied: "Middle of July".

The star opened up about her family's devastating loss earlier this year.

She wrote: "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 try to be strong for the both of us.”

Lisa is a hugely respected soap veteran, first joining Emmerdale as Mandy back in 1995.

She appeared for her on-screen cousin Tina Dingle's wedding to Luke McAllister and proved so popular roducers invited Riley to return full-time the following year,

She was a key part of the soap until 2000 and returned occasionally over the years before committing to the soap again in 2019.