ITV Emmerdale's Lisa Riley addresses return to the soap after heartbreaking loss

Lisa Riley has delighted fans by revealing when Emmerdale fans can expect to see her back on-screen as Mandy Dingle. Followers of the actress, who has played the loud, leopard print-wearing character in the ITV soap on and off for 27 years, hasn't been seen in the Dales for a while.

Fans were worried for the soap star when she didn't appear at the British Soap Awards earlier this month. Her on-screen family, the Dingle clan, took home the award for best family while Emmerdale picked up the main award of the night for best soap.

Her co-star James Hooton, who plays Sam Dingle in the Leeds-based soap, took to the stage to collect the Dingle's award, he mentioned Lisa's absence was down to a “family issue” and she was doing well. She had, however, already been on social media to share she had suffered a heartbreaking loss.

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In an Instagram post, the Bury-born star told fans her Nana had sadly passed away. "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," she shared. "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."

But now, in her most recent social media post, Lisa confirmed she had spent a day filming in a sunny Emmerdale village as well as spent time working on filming another secret project.

The 45-year-old looked stunning and a far cry from her alter-ego Mandy as her she kept her dark locks down and stright with minimal make-up while donning a pair of glasses.She captioned the snap: "Just finished filming a lovely day in studio at