Lisa Riley opens up about health battle

Lisa Riley, the 48-year-old star of ITV's Emmerdale, has opened up about her battle with alcohol and her journey towards sobriety, proudly approaching a significant milestone of nine years without a drink. During an appearance on Lorraine, host Ranvir Singh highlighted the upcoming anniversary, prompting Riley to reflect on her transformation. "I never thought I'd be sat here now saying that this coming Monday I'd be nine years sober," she shared. Riley candidly discussed the turning point in her life, revealing that she had been self-medicating with alcohol. She recounted the struggles of managing her work and personal life while relying on alcohol to cope. "A bottle and a half, two bottles helped me completely in those times," she admitted, describing her obsessive attempts to navigate social events without drinking. The actress emphasized the importance of her sobriety, stating that the "fake" version of herself has disappeared, and she is now living authentically. "I love it. It's a better place to be," she expressed, highlighting the positive changes in her life since making the decision to quit drinking. As Riley prepares to celebrate her nine-year sobriety anniversary, her story resonates with many, offering hope and inspiration to those facing similar challenges. Emmerdale continues to air weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm, where Riley remains a beloved figure.