I love being COMFY!

Emmerdale star Lisa Riley says she's nothing like her glamorously over-the-top screen character Mandy Dingle

- SUE CRAWFORD

When a thrilled Emmerdale fan spotted actor Lisa Riley browsing the clothes aisles in M&S, she dashed over to ask for a selfie.

Lisa, who plays the show's glamorous beautician Mandy Dingle, happily obliged. But when the fan checked the pictures that she had just taken, Lisa was taken aback by her response.

'l was just mooching around minding my own business and this woman asked for a picture and then went, "Oh God, you could have put some make-up on,' Lisa recalls.

'l said, "I'm not Mandy Dingle, this is me doing my shopping," and she said, "Yeah, but you know, you look.." And I finished her sentence and said, "What, [ look a bit rough?™ Lisa adds with her trademark chuckle.

For while Mandy loves nothing more than donning her famous leopard print and dolling herself up to the nines, Lisa is much more down to earth. 'l love comfiness, she smiles. "You'll mostly find me in leggings, a black vest, hoodie and trainers, one layer of mascara and some moisturiser -that's when I'm at my happiest.

It's almost 30 years since Lisa first set foot in the Dales, and viewers will be seeing Mandy at her most dazzling yet in a jaw-dropping gown at her upcoming wedding to vet Paddy Kirk.