As ‘Emmerdale’ star Lisa Riley approaches her 50th birthday on July 13, she has received a remarkable surprise. The acclaimed actress has been honored with the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to drama and charity, according to reports.
Lisa Riley Inducted into the Order of the British Empire
Radio Times confirmed the news, listing other notable recipients. Among them are Dame Helen Mirren, known for ‘Mobland,’ who was made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour. ‘Noughts & Crosses’ author Malorie Blackman was awarded the title of Dame, and composer Patrick Doyle, known for ‘Death on the Nile,’ also received the Companions of Honour.
Lisa Riley Reacts to Receiving MBE
Riley expressed her excitement in a statement: “Wow, if this is not my best 50th birthday present, being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list, I don’t know what is. I am being awarded an MBE, Member of the Order of the British Empire, for my services to drama and to charity.”
She added, “To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement. To have been able to do my job as an actor for 36 years now, never having a day out of work in our industry, is an honour in itself.”
Riley also acknowledged her gratitude to many, noting she is one of the first ‘Emmerdale’ cast members to receive this honor. She shared, “For me, playing the role of Mandy Dingle is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only that, being a woman in our industry, sisterhood means everything to me. The finest feeling today is that I can truly feel my mum’s smile and her electric energy on my shoulders, the pride that her little girl ‘DID IT’!”
