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 played the role of Mandy, ex-wife of both Butch and Paddy, between 1995–2001, but in 2000 she 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, although not a huge amount has been revealed about the plot. 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 now doubt there will be much drama 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."
Take a look through our Emmerdale spoilers for next week:
Emmerdale Spoilers: week 47
1 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
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.
2 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
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.
3 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
Later, as Frank and Clive discuss Leyla she arrives and the pair are left concerned about what she's going to say.
4 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
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?
5 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
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.
6 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
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.
7 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
Once Chas is alone she rips down the decorations before sinking to the floor in tears.
8 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
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.
9 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
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.
10 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
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.
11 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
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.
12 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
Rhona and Pete plan to take some time alone. But despite their efforts to spend the day together are interrupted by Paddy, then Vanessa.
13 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
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.
14 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
Maya tries to reason with Jacob but later when she and David kiss, Jacob is jealous.
15 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
He tells them he's dating Liv and lies about having sex with her.
16 of 16Emmerdale Week 47
Meanwhile, Tracy comes up with a business plan at the cafe in the evening but will it work or will her plans be scuppered?
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 affirmed that she'd love to return to the Dales someday.
Emmerdale continues weekdays at 7pm on ITV.
NOW WATCH: Ellie Goulding talks new music and wedding planning:
If your favourite music icons are the Spice Girls and your favourite Ks are Kylie and the Kardashians, you need heat Radio in your life! heat Radio is portable, so you can listen to us on the move. Simply download our app from your phone’s app store or listen on DAB Digital Radio UK, on Freeview Channel 716 or online at heatradio.com and at heatworld.com. We’re on all the smart speakers too, just say “play heat Radio".