Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley three-word message to Andy Burnham as he becomes Prime Minister
Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley has publicly voiced her support for newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham, sending a simple yet heartfelt message as he begins his leadership of the country. The Bury-born star, known for her long-standing role on the ITV soap, took to Instagram on Monday, July 20, writing: “Good Luck today @andy.burnham”.
Burnham’s Journey To Prime Minister
Andy Burnham’s political path has been eventful in recent months. After stepping down as Greater Manchester mayor, he ran for the Makerfield seat in a by-election following Josh Simons’ departure. Burnham’s election success came three months after he was prevented from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister last month, Burnham launched his leadership bid, ultimately securing the top office. On Friday, July 17, he assumed leadership of the Labour Party, and by Monday, he made his first speech as Prime Minister at Buckingham Palace. In his address, Burnham emphasised national unity and stability:
“Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again, and that is our challenge – to make politics work, to make it work better.”
Cabinet announcements are expected soon, with speculation particularly focused on the choice for Chancellor, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband among the frontrunners.
Lisa Riley: A Proud Northerner
Lisa Riley, born in Bury, Greater Manchester, in 1976, celebrated her 50th birthday this year. Growing up in Tottington, she attended Hollymount School and began acting classes at the Oldham Theatre Workshop at the age of nine. Riley’s Northern roots have always been a part of her public persona, making her support of Burnham—a fellow Mancunian—especially meaningful.
Her Instagram post drew praise from fans for its simplicity and warmth, reflecting both personal pride in her hometown and admiration for Burnham’s political journey.
Career Highlights and MBE Honour
Riley has had a remarkable acting career spanning over three decades. She is best known for her portrayal of Lisa Dingle in Emmerdale, a role she has held since joining the soap, becoming one of its most iconic and enduring cast members. Her dedication to the show and her contributions to drama and charity were formally recognised earlier this year when she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Speaking about the accolade, Riley said:
“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 for my services to drama and to charity. To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement. To have been able to do my job as an actor for 36 years, never having a day out of work in our industry, is an honour in itself.”
Notably, Riley is the first-ever Emmerdale cast member to receive an MBE, cementing her legacy both on-screen and off.
Public Response
Fans of both Riley and Burnham responded enthusiastically to her message. Many praised her for supporting a local politician while balancing her long-standing commitment to acting and charity work. The post resonated particularly with Northern followers who share Riley’s hometown pride.
The timing of her message, coinciding with Burnham’s first day as Prime Minister, added to the sense of significance, highlighting the intersection of celebrity influence and civic engagement in contemporary British culture.
Looking Forward
As Andy Burnham begins his tenure as Prime Minister, Riley continues to enjoy her prominent role in Emmerdale while balancing her public duties and family life. With her MBE honour fresh, she remains a highly respected figure in British television, admired not only for her performances but also for her charitable efforts and community engagement.
Her simple three-word message reflects a wider trend of actors and public figures lending their voices to national events, showcasing the influence of popular culture figures in shaping public sentiment and providing a personal touch to political developments.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8:00 p.m. on ITV1, with episodes available to stream from 7:00 a.m. on ITVX and YouTube.