Lisa Riley, best known for her role as bubbly bombshell Mandy Dingle in ITV soap, Emmerdale, stopped drinking alcohol a decade ago and says that “life feels brilliant” without the booze.
The 49-year-old first made her Emmerdale debut 30 years ago and has since become a much-loved household name.
Speaking to the Bury Times, Lisa said: “I had my last ever drink in a Bury pub.
“I was in The Clarence with relatives reminiscing about my mum one August.
“We drank a lot and I said to myself, ‘I’m not doing this anymore.’ I set myself a challenge to stop drinking until Christmas.
“When I went to family christening that October, there was pressure to drink but that was everyone else’s problem, not mine.
“I then started to play a bit of game with myself about how long I could go but got a bit obsessed and fixated on the numbers.”
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The actress has spoken openly about her grief after her mother Cath died from cancer in 2012.
Lisa added: “Basically, my mum was ill and I was drinking as a coping mechanism. My dad was in denial and him and my brother dealt with it in their own ways.
“I felt like I was keeping the family ship sailing, that I was the pole of the family keeping that tent supported.
“After my mum died at my house, I didn’t take antidepressants or anything but would drink a bottle of Malbec or two to comfort myself.”
The former St Gabriel’s pupil also shared a candid post with her Instagram followers on August 19 to mark the occasion, saying that she has “never felt better” after “hiding behind booze” for many years of her life.
Fellow Bury-born celebrity Suzanne Shaw left clapping emojis on the post while sober singer Lucy Spraggan congratulated Lisa on the milestone.
Lisa enjoys spending time in her hometown of Bury with her partner Al, and her 6-year-old niece, Everlyn, who plays football for Bury FC Juniors.
Lisa Riley with her partner Al and niece Everlyn at Gigg Lane in Bury (Image: Lisa Riley/supplied) READ NEXT: ‘We’ve had a fantastic response so far’ – as new business opens its doors
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Reflecting on the ten-year achievement, Lisa continued: “I’ve realised how brilliant my life is and feel like I don’t need it [alcohol].
“It’s not like I ever faced a major struggle, I just don’t need it, like it or want it anymore.
“Even at big events like soap and TV awards, I try and be home early and in bed by midnight. My other half drinks which I don’t mind at all, I just don’t like all the small talk.
“Gone are the days when old me would ask for 3pm train ticket and have drinks beforehand!
“Some people find it weird but I’ve always had a big personality and don’t need a drink to shine.”