Emmerdale star Lisa Riley discusses Paddy and Mandy reunion hopes

"Who knows what's going to happen in the future?"

By Katie Francis

2 Feb 2023

ITV

Upcoming episodes of Emmerdale will see ex-spouses Paddy (Dominic Brunt) and Mandy (Lisa Riley) rekindle their romance in the wake of Chas's affair.

It's been suggested that Paddy's choice to seek solace in a friendly face might not be the easy solution he thinks it is, with the decision making way for a darker storyline.

Lisa has given more of an insight into what's going through the duo's heads, alongside some backstage secrets about her friendship with Dominic.

Describing how Mandy feels about Paddy's struggles, Lisa shared "Mandy thoroughly knows that her dearest friend is in turmoil.

"Paddy is not opening up and talking – he just keeps saying that he's not feeling like himself. Men don't like to talk, but Mandy is being the ultimate woodpecker, asking him to open up because it's good to talk.

"When your best friend doesn't know what it is, they'll try any way to make you better. Mandy's way is to make him laugh, but Paddy doesn't want that at the moment."

So, Mandy will do whatever she can to chop away at the wall Paddy's built. But, although she is happy to be back on screen with Dominic and believe the public is on their side, Lisa wasn't clear on the couple's odds at this point.

"The nation wants them to reunite! Who knows what's going to happen in the future? Me and Dom adore working together and I think it comes across."

ITV

She also added how popular the pair are, saying "The second the Chas affair came out on screen, it was all over social media that Paddy and Mandy back together is what people want.

"But do we want to give the audience exactly what they want straight away? People loved Ross and Rachel didn't they?" Hmmm, cryptic.

In short, though, Lisa is fully on board to explore this story, explaining "I'm over the moon and I feel that from the bottom of my heart."

She detailed that one of her wishes for the show has come true: "That Dominic gets the lead story and tells it with the most enormous amount of heart. I say that because I know he'll do it justice as an actor, he's my best friend, and I want to sit back with pride and watch him win every award."

Well, Dominic and Lisa might be set for winning awards, but will Paddy and Mandy's actions win them any favours in the long run?

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.