‘I feel free’ reveals Lisa Riley as Emmerdale icon shares major milestone with fans

EMMERDALE'S Lisa Riley has opened up about her struggle with alcoholism while celebrating her sobriety.

The soap star is known for playing barmaid Mandy Dingle on the ITV show.

In an emotional post on Instagram, Lisa shared that her nine year anniversary of being sober is coming up.

She shared a graphic with the words: "Going sober doesn't make you boring. Being hungover all day does!"

The actress added: "LOVE…..LOVE…..LOVE THIS. Thank you @soberdave it makes so much sense!!!! Can you believe in August I will be 9 years sober!"

Fans flocked to the comments to congratulate her and share their own stories of deciding to quit booze.

One wrote: "Well done. I haven't drank for 13 years and that hangover feeling, not worth it."

Another gushed: "That’s absolutely amazing. Well done Lisa."

A film script writer added: "103 days for me! Well done darling 8 years is incredible xxxx"

A bestselling author also chimed in: "Fantastic!!!! It’s the best decision I ever made too."

Lisa previously told the show hosts on Loose Women that her battle with alcohol started when her mum died.

"I was having a bottle or a bottle-and-a-half of wine a night," she admitted sadly.

However, the actress also affirmed that she feels "free" after making the decision to put drinking behind her.

Lisa recently reprised her role in Emmerdale after her character was originally axed in 2001.

In recent episodes Mandy was left devastated when she discovered Paddy Kirk cheated on her with his ex-wife.

The beautician wanted to draw a line under the whole situation after her lover was honest with her about locking lips with another woman.

However, she was left stunned when a new piece of information came to light.