**Emmerdale Star Lisa Riley Opens Up on Navigating Grief After Losing Mother and Friend Robin Windsor**
Lisa Riley, best known for her enduring role as Mandy Dingle in ITV’s popular soap *Emmerdale*, has shared heartfelt reflections on her experiences of loss and grief following the deaths of her mother and close friend, dancer Robin Windsor. The 48-year-old actress spoke candidly during an appearance on *Good Morning Britain*, recounting how these tragedies profoundly shaped her outlook and approach to seeking help.
Riley, whose own mother passed away in July 2012, just before her stint as a contestant on *Strictly Come Dancing*, revealed that the timing of this bereavement had a significant impact on her life. It was during the BBC show that she was partnered with professional dancer Robin Windsor. The two became close, with Windsor playing an instrumental role in helping Riley process the recent loss of her mother while they performed together on national television.
Tragically, Windsor died in February last year at the age of 44, a loss that left Riley deeply affected once more. The cause of Windsor’s death has not been disclosed publicly. Reflecting on her journey through these challenging periods, Riley said, “I’ve learned a great deal about grief—how it can manifest and the importance of allowing yourself to seek help.” She also highlighted the vast differences in how individuals respond to bereavement, mentioning that while some retreat inwardly, others, herself included, sometimes put on a brave face for the outside world.
“For a long time, I felt compelled to ‘be funny’ and perform as Mandy each day on set, even on days I didn’t feel the part,” Riley explained. She credited the supportive environment provided by colleagues on *Emmerdale*, particularly the camaraderie within her dressing room, as a vital source of comfort and understanding. “We lean on each other,” she said, underlining the importance of workplace solidarity for those facing private struggles.
Riley was also keen to highlight the value of support organisations such as Sue Ryder, which offer helplines and a range of resources for individuals coping with grief. In her words, “The internet has opened up many avenues for support. Sue Ryder is one such place where help is always accessible.”
The actress recalled the response of her employers and colleagues at *Emmerdale* following her personal losses, describing them as “phenomenal”. She detailed the difficulties she faced maintaining her professionalism: “What people don’t see is that, on some days, I needed my make-up done three times because I found it so hard to hold it together. The team recognised this and were always willing to write me out of scenes or offer me time off if I needed it.”
Despite these offers of support, Riley expressed a personal determination to continue working. She reflected on how, for her, remaining active and immersed in her career was a form of self-preservation. “I didn’t want to be at home stuck in my thoughts. Robin would have wanted me to keep the spark alive—and I felt compelled to do that in his honour.”
Looking back to her participation in *Strictly Come Dancing*, Riley spoke of her initial determination to keep her mother’s passing a secret from the public. She opened up about her conversation with Windsor at the time: “I told Robin that under no circumstances did I want anyone—including the press or the viewers—to know that my mum had just died. I couldn’t bear the idea of people voting for me out of sympathy.” Riley was particularly grateful for Windsor’s understanding and discretion during that period, adding that their friendship was based on mutual support and authenticity.
Ultimately, Riley’s openness about her journey offers hope and solidarity for others coping with bereavement. She continues to champion the importance of open dialogue and seeking help, reminding those struggling with loss that it is “okay to ask for support”.
The actress’s candidness not only shines a light on the often hidden emotional battles faced by those in the public eye but also underscores the need for compassion in workplaces and communities alike. Through her story, Lisa Riley hopes to encourage others to reach out and share their own journeys through grief.