Lisa Riley has never been one to shy away from honesty – and the Emmerdale favourite has once again reminded fans why she remains one of Britain’s most beloved stars. The Mandy Dingle actress has spoken with pride about her time on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, revealing how “telling her truth” in the jungle became one of the most powerful moments of her career.

For many viewers, Lisa’s 2014 jungle stint is remembered as a triumph. Battling gruelling Bushtucker Trials, surviving on rice and beans and navigating camp politics, she emerged not just as a winner, but as a woman completely unapologetic about who she is. Now, reflecting on that life-changing experience, Lisa has opened up about why being honest on national television meant so much to her.

According to the actress, the jungle stripped away any sense of performance or pretence. “You can’t hide in there,” she has said in recent interviews. “There’s no costume, no script – it’s just you.” For Lisa, that raw environment gave her the confidence to speak openly about her life, her struggles, and the journey that shaped her long career in the public eye.

Fans will remember how emotional she became in camp as she discussed body image, self-worth and the pressures of fame. Rather than playing to expectations, Lisa chose vulnerability – and it paid off. Viewers rallied behind her warmth, humour and sincerity, ultimately voting her the winner. It’s a moment she still regards with deep pride.

That same fearless honesty has carried through to her work on Emmerdale. Since her return as Mandy Dingle, Lisa has delivered some of the soap’s most heartfelt performances, tackling tough storylines around relationships, insecurity and self-belief. Insiders say her real-life experiences have only strengthened her connection to the character, making Mandy’s emotional journeys feel painfully authentic.

Behind the scenes, Lisa’s openness has also earned her huge respect among her co-stars. Friends say she’s a constant source of encouragement on set, often reminding others of the importance of staying true to themselves in an industry that can be unforgiving. “Lisa leads with her heart,” one source claims. “What you see is what you get.”

Her pride in I’m a Celeb isn’t about the crown or the title – it’s about survival, growth and self-acceptance. Lisa has admitted the show helped her reclaim her narrative at a time when she felt misunderstood. By telling her truth, she found freedom – and, in the process, inspired countless viewers watching at home.

As Emmerdale continues to throw Mandy Dingle into emotional turmoil, fans can be sure of one thing: Lisa Riley will bring the same honesty to the screen that won her the jungle crown. And if her reflections prove anything, it’s that being real – no matter how messy – can be the most powerful story of all.