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Emmerdale fan-favourite addresses co-star's future on show after exit fears

Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley has spoken out about co-star Bradley Johnson's rumoured departure from the ITV soap.

[Emmerdale's Vinny Dingle actor Bradley Johnson has teased whether his character's marriage to Gabby Thomas will last ]

Emmerdale' Lisa Riley spoke about her co-star's future on the show(Image: ITV)

Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has spoken out about the rumoured departure of Bradley Johnson.

Back in May, it was claimed that the 28-year-old actor had been dropped from the programme after portraying Vinny Dingle for more than seven years.

Vinny, Mandy's adoptive son, will allegedly leave the ITV soap later this year. When questioned about her co-star's departure at the 2026 TRIC Awards, Lisa stayed tight-lipped about whether the speculation was accurate.

The Emmerdale star told the Daily Express: "That's not confirmed. I don't know where that's come from! I can't confirm nor deny. He's my dream.

"We are like family. We're so close. You can see how much we laugh. We're a family at Emmerdale and we are really happy."

[Mandy Dingle]

Mandy Dingle(Image: ITV)

While viewers might be bidding farewell to a beloved member of the Dingle clan, they shouldn't fret as Lisa, 49, assured she will remain in her role on the programme for a "very long time".

She stated: "But whatever happens... I could be going! I'm not, I'm signed for a very long time."

Discussing what lies ahead for her character, Lisa hinted that her character will grow closer to Kev, portrayed by Chris Coghill, reports the Express.

[Mandy dingle]

Lisa confirmed she has signed onto Emmerdale for a "very long time"(Image: ITV)

Kev was brought in during 2025 as Robert Sugden's (Ryan Hawley) estranged spouse, with the duo having wed while behind bars.

He departed the village in early 2026 but has recently made his comeback after learning his biological son, Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) had been abducted by a woman called Kylie.

Teasing what's in store for her character, Lisa disclosed that Mandy is initially suspicious of Kev, but suggested that the duo could forge an unexpected connection as the year progresses.

[Lisa Riley as Mandy Dingle]

Emmerdale's Lisa spoke about her co-star

The I'm A Celebrity star added: "Mandy is not happy with Kev. She can spot a rogue a mile off can't she? Watch out Kev, the smother mother might be coming out. Then again, with Kev, over time, they could grow closer."

Gushing over her co-star, Lisa added: "I adore him. Chris Coghill is a genius to work with, phenomenally funny and on his lines so much that you can play with dialogue with him. Doing comedy is an actor's dream. I'm his biggest cheerleader."

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV and ITVX.

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