Emmerdale legend Lisa Riley heartbroken over death of beloved family member weeks after losing Strictly pal
EMMERDALE legend Lisa Riley is broken hearted after losing a beloved family member – just weeks after her Strictly pal Robin WIndsor passed away.
The actress, who plays Mandy Dingle in the ITV soap, took to social media to reveal the woman she called her ‘second mum’, her Aunty Joyce, has died.
She shared a snap with her aunt and a heartbreaking tribute.
Lisa wrote: “Just when I thought my heart couldn’t hurt anymore after just losing Robin, I have had more devastating news.
“Last night my 2nd Mum, my solid hand to hold since I was born, my gorgeous Aunty Joyce has sadly passed away, joining my Mum, where they can now giggle again in heaven together.”
She continued: [Aunty Joyce] who came to every single show I performed in since the age of 7…Aunty Joyce,who came to every set and supported every inch of my career.
“Aunty Joyce constantly held me up when Mum passed, Aunty Joyce gave me confidence when I didn’t think I could do it.
“Aunty Joyce, let me dress up, put makeup on and sing endless songs from Annie. Aunty Joyce, who I drank my last glass of wine EVER with before I became sober.”
Lisa added that her aunt lived her life “to the absolute fullest” and had a heart “bigger than anyone I have ever known.”
She claimed Joyce knew her “inside out, back to front, and everything in between” and told how they watched the Bette Midler movie Beaches togther “over a hundred times”.
Lisa concluded her emotional post: “I love you, always will, but MOSTLY I thank you, for your time, endless time, when you knew I really needed it. You went to heaven on Mothers Day, can’t quite believe this. the biggest love to Uncle Jess and Si xxx #grief #aunt #love #adore #angel.”
As Lisa acknowledged in her post, it’s only been a matter of weeks since she lost her friend Robin Windsor, who died aged 44 in February.
The pair danced together on Strictly in 2012 and became firm friends afterwards.
Taking to X after the news broke, Lisa shared a series of photos of the pair, writing: “My Bestie, My Robin, My Angel…….now our forever Angel, who is loved, will always be loved, forever in my heart……my very broken heart, I love you, shine your beautiful, electric energy from heaven. SHINE IN PEACE.”
She ended the post with a string of broken heart emojis.
Robin was found dead in a London hotel on February 20 after he suffered a troubling incident over New Year, according to reports.
The former Strictly professional was remembered as a “nurturing soul” who “lit up any room he walked into” after his death at the age of 44.