Lisa Riley, a household name thanks to her portrayal of Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale for nearly 30 years, has opened up about a significant career milestone. She also spoke about how the loss of her close friend and former Strictly Come Dancing partner Robin Windsor last year led her to seek therapy – something she hadn't done after losing her mother Cath to secondary breast cancer at 58.

As a Breast Cancer Now ambassador, Lisa participated in a heartfelt podcast for the charity, where she revealed she may have an altered BRCA gene that increases her risk of certain cancers. Despite admitting to being "petrified" of the disease that took her mother's life, the 48 year old actress is determined to keep the conversation about breast cancer going throughout the year.

The soap's storyline involving her character Chas Dingle, who discovered a lump in her breast, resonated with viewers and sparked important discussions. Lisa highlighted the impact of soap operas, saying: "The response to Marlon's stroke storyline and Paddy's suicide attempt were significant. As Chas is my close cousin, I received gratitude from people on the street for the breast cancer story. By showcasing mammograms and smears on Emmerdale, we hope to potentially save lives," reports the Mirror.

As she nears her 49th birthday, Lisa has noticed changes in her body and admits to feeling anxious about her health, especially given her mother's early diagnosis and passing. She said: "Any change makes me wonder if it's my time, especially considering my mother's early diagnosis and passing. It's been surreal reaching 48, the age she was when diagnosed. I'm vigilant about self-checking and getting mammograms, but it's terrifying. However, I refuse to live what I call 'The Green Mile of life'. You can't live in constant fear."

Lisa opened up about the pain of losing her mother at a young age and how it forced her to grow up quickly. She said: "My mum passed away far too early. I was forced to grow up really quickly. When I lost her, it was a shock to my system because I had to do everything on my own and in this industry, it's tough. I realised she was more than just my career backbone, she was more than my mother, my best friend. All gone, just like that. Suddenly, I had to fend for myself. But she taught me to be strong. She instilled in me that fire", reports The Mirror.

Lisa confessed that she still struggles with her mother's absence and often seeks her guidance. She said: "There are moments when I ask, 'Mum, what would you do now? Please give me a sign. ' I still talk to her constantly. People can dismiss it as nonsense. But fundamentally, if it works for you, long may that continue. I see feathers. If I smell Chanel perfume, it feels like she's in the room. I'm still very confident, but I've lost a little bit of that since she's gone. People are quick to judge and say, 'It's been so many years now, pull yourself together.

"I find that absurd. Grief is an endless pain – you just learn to live with it. Sometimes I'll want to call her, then suddenly, silent tears fall. It's a void."

As she nears the landmark age of 50 next year, Lisa expressed her joy at being "healthy and having such a passion for life". The upcoming July 25 is particularly special for her as it signifies her 30th anniversary on the set of Emmerdale, and she's planning a grand celebration to commemorate the occasion.

Discussing her character Mandy, Lisa shared: "She's a delight to portray. There's always something new, and it involves full-on dress-up. My best friend Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy Kirk and has been my on-screen husband for years, we genuinely care for each other."

The previous year has been challenging for Lisa, who not only mourned the loss of her mother but also grieved the death of her beloved Strictly Come Dancing partner Robin Windsor, followed by the sudden passing of her aunt while on holiday.

After Robin's death, Lisa turned to therapy, which she describes as a "game-changer". Reflecting on their bond, she revealed: "To be honest, I lost more than just a friend - I lost my confidant. If it weren't for the incredible support of our crew at work, there are days when I wouldn't be able to carry on They've been my rock. Even with the laughter and the wigs, the pain still lingers."

Reflecting on her decision not to take extended leave from work after a personal loss, she confessed: "I found solace in my work, just like I did when I lost my mum. Putting on Mandy Dingle's lashes and going to work became my coping mechanism."

She opened up about the unwavering support from her partner, Al, during these challenging periods, revealing: "We're happy as we are, and we're celebrating 11 years together in June. The truth is, we're already committed to each other, but we haven't formalised it."