### Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley Opens Up About Grief Following Robin Windsor’s Tragic Passing
Lisa Riley, beloved for her role as Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale, has been deeply affected by the recent death of her former Strictly Come Dancing partner, Robin Windsor. The 47-year-old actress revealed that Robin’s passing in February has left her shattered, making it challenging to step into her character’s shoes on the soap.
Lisa compared the pain of losing Robin to the grief she felt after her mother’s death from breast cancer in 2012, describing it as an irreplaceable loss. Reflecting on their friendship, which began when they danced together on Strictly in 2012, Lisa shared how Robin had supported her through difficult times, becoming an integral part of her life.
Facing the camera as Mandy Dingle became an emotional struggle for Lisa in the wake of Robin’s death. Despite her grief, she found solace in the support of her partner Al and co-stars like Emma Atkins (Charity Dingle) and Lucy Pargeter (Chas Dingle), who stood by her side during this challenging period. Lisa expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of her Emmerdale family, especially the Dingle sisters who shared her dressing room and provided invaluable comfort and encouragement.
Lisa’s bond with Robin was so profound that she recently accepted an award on his behalf at the British LGBT Awards, a task she found both honoring and heartbreaking. She reminisced about their close friendship, fondly recalling moments of sharing makeup tips and laughter.
In light of Robin’s struggles with mental health, Lisa hopes his tragic passing will shed light on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. She emphasized the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues within the gay community, urging individuals to seek support and know they are loved and valued.
As Lisa continues to navigate her grief, she remains committed to raising awareness and honoring Robin’s memory, ensuring that his legacy inspires positive change and support for those in need.
[Cut to supportive music]
