Emmerdale fans, brace yourselves — tissues will be essential this Christmas. Lisa Riley, who plays the fan-favourite Mandy Dingle, has revealed that the festive season in the Dales will be filled with heartbreak, mystery, and signature Dingle drama.

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Christmas in the Dales Turns Emotional

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk on behalf of Buzz Bingo, Lisa shared that the Emmerdale team has already filmed the Christmas and early January episodes — and they’re among the most emotional yet.

“We’re so far ahead, it’s really weird because I’m filming for mid-January now,” Lisa said. “Over Christmas, it’s all about finding Bear; it’s going to be really heartbreaking. His story is going to go on for a long time. You’re going to see Mandy and Paddy really lean on each other. You can guarantee that with the Dingles, there’s always drama. Dingle all the way, that’s Christmas.”

Fans have been increasingly worried about Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards), who disappeared from the village after behaving strangely and lying to his son Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) about his whereabouts. His vanishing act will take centre stage this festive season — and it seems Mandy will play a key role in the emotional fallout.

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“Heartbreak and Drama” Behind the Festive Spirit

While the Dingles are known for laughter and chaos, Christmas in Emmerdale rarely passes without heartache. Lisa hinted that the upcoming episodes will balance the usual humour with deeper emotional beats.

“It’s really heartbreaking,” she explained. “There’s warmth and humour, but also loss. You’ll see just how much these characters mean to each other when everything is tested.”

The storyline is expected to showcase the bond between Mandy and Paddy, whose friendship has weathered countless ups and downs. For long-time fans, it’s a reminder of how far both characters have come — and how deeply the Dingle family roots still run through the show.

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Lisa Riley on Mandy’s Future in Emmerdale

Amid the emotional drama, Lisa reassured fans that she’s not going anywhere. The actress, who first joined Emmerdale in 1995, confirmed she’s signed on for the long haul.

“I’m very much signed for the show, I’m not going anywhere and have no intention of going anywhere,” she said firmly.

However, she admitted she’s already imagined how Mandy might one day leave Emmerdale — in her own unique, over-the-top fashion.

“I’ve always said Mandy was iconic for having the first-ever leopard print wedding dress. If and when she leaves, she’d have to have a leopard print coffin. It’s her rite of passage! There would be pink ribbons, everyone in leopard print — nobody could wear black. She’d be livid.”

Laughing, Lisa added,

“You could even hear her pre-recorded message saying, ‘If anyone’s wearing black, get out!’ Hopefully not for many, many years to come. I’ve just celebrated my 30th year — I’d love to do 30 more.”

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What’s Next for Mandy and the Dingles

While Mandy’s future looks bright, the road ahead for the Dingles this Christmas is paved with tension and emotion. Between Bear’s disappearance, Paddy’s struggles, and Mandy’s unshakable loyalty, fans can expect laughter through tears — and a reminder that in Emmerdale, family always comes first.

As Lisa puts it, “Dingle all the way.”