Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has disclosed that her participation in I'm A Celebrity was partly motivated by the encouragement of her deceased Strictly Come Dancing partner, Robin Windsor.
The actress, who has previously declined multiple invitations to join the reality programme, finally accepted the offer this year.
Mr Windsor, who passed away in 2024 at 44 years old, had consistently urged Ms Riley to participate in the jungle-based show.
"He would be like, 'You'd be f***ing hilarious'," Ms Riley revealed whilst preparing for the programme in Australia.
Lisa Riley is taking part in this year's ITV I'm A Celebrity
|ITV
The 49-year-old performer believes Mr Windsor would have been thrilled by her decision.
"I know he is definitely on my shoulder - he will be gleaming with pride," she stated, acknowledging his enduring influence on her choice to embrace the new challenge.
The television personality explained that Mr Windsor had always believed she was "crazy" to repeatedly turn down opportunities to appear on the programme.
Ms Riley's acceptance also comes as she approaches several personal milestones.
Strictly Come Dancing pro Robin Windsor died in 2024
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"It's like a big baguette where everything I wanted was in it," she explained, referencing her upcoming 50th birthday, three decades portraying Mandy Dingle, and a decade of sobriety.
The actress also cited the programme's 25th anniversary as additional motivation.
She expressed particular pride in becoming what she hopes will be "the best auntie in the world" to her nephews Jakey and Joshua, and niece Everlyn, by demonstrating her willingness to face the jungle's challenges.
Ms Riley's mother Cath, who died from breast cancer in 2012, remains another powerful presence in her decision to enter the jungle.
The actress, whose mother was diagnosed at 48, feels her participation might be divinely inspired.
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Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor were partnered on BBC Strictly in 2012
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"I can't help feel that maybe it is my mum in heaven giving me a message to do the show," Riley shared to The Mirror.
She imagines her mother would have encouraged her to "knock them dead and just have a laugh".
The pair had maintained an exceptionally close relationship, speaking at least ten times daily before Cath's death.
Ms Riley acknowledges that whilst her mother would have been "gleaming" about the opportunity, she would simultaneously have worried whilst watching from home.
"Every day is a blessing and I want to really enjoy everything," Ms Riley reflected, drawing strength from past losses.
Despite her enthusiasm, Mr Riley acknowledged significant fears about jungle life, particularly regarding rats and darkness.
To prepare, she enlisted help from an Emmerdale colleague who owns pet rats, practising holding the rodents to overcome her phobia.
Lisa Riley has starred in Emmerdale since 1995
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The actress has also been rehearsing nighttime scenarios with her fiancé Al at their Yorkshire home, walking through rooms without lights.
Al's parting advice was simply to "be you", though he also warned about the dietary consequences of camp meals.
Riley embraces the prospect of appearing without cosmetics or styled hair in the humid conditions.
"People will see that I am going to look like an absolute minger, and I will embrace that, because that is the truth of it," she declared.