Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, known for her role as Mandy Dingle, recently
opened up about the emotional toll she’s faced after the loss of her dear friend,
Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor. The beloved dancer passed away
earlier this year at just 44, leaving Riley struggling to balance her grief with her demanding role on Emmerdale. Riley, who danced alongside Windsor in Season 10 of Strictly, described how his death brought back memories of her own mother’s passing, making her grief feel even more profound. “It’s a pain like no other,” she told The Mirror, expressing how difficult it has been to accept the loss of such a vibrant and essential person in her life. For Riley, Windsor wasn’t just a dance partner or a friend but a supportive presence who brought joy and comfort. “Why does God take the best?” she reflected, capturing her heartache.
The pain has understandably impacted her work on Emmerdale, where she has played Mandy Dingle since 1995. Riley admitted that there were days she dreaded stepping in front of the camera, especially when she needed to embody Mandy’s lively and fiery personality. “I had to paint Mandy Dingle on, put the wig and lashes on, and go out there, but it’s so painful,” she shared, underscoring the strain of channeling a bubbly character while processing her own deep sorrow.
Fortunately, Riley has found strength in her Emmerdale family. Her co-stars, especially her fellow Dingle sisters, have been a crucial source of comfort and support. “The Dingle sisters all share a dressing room, and I can’t thank those girls enough,” she explained, adding that each of her castmates in that room has been “a godsend beyond words.” Riley noted how their presence and companionship have not only helped her endure tough days on set but also offered a kind of therapy as she navigates her grief.
Beyond the loss itself, Riley shared the smaller, everyday moments that highlight Windsor’s absence. She would often call him up for advice or share a laugh over her makeup, moments she now painfully misses. “I should be ringing him and going, ‘Hi babe, do you like my makeup?’ That’s what I used to do,” Riley reflected, emphasizing the gap his absence has left in her life.
In honor of Windsor’s legacy, Riley will host a tribute event titled Robin Windsor: The Final Act on November 3. Organized by fellow Strictly stars Pasha Kovalev and Ana Garnis, the evening will celebrate Windsor’s life and career with performances and memories shared by friends and former dance partners, including Anton Du Beke. This heartfelt event, to be held at Theatre Royal on Drury Lane, will allow Riley and others who loved Windsor to come together and celebrate his incredible spirit.
For Lisa Riley, the journey of grieving a close friend is ongoing, but she finds solace in her Emmerdale family and the knowledge that Robin Windsor’s memory will continue to be cherished and celebrated. Through the support of her colleagues and fans, Riley is determined to push through the pain, embodying the strength that she and her character, Mandy Dingle, are known for.
