Lisa Riley makes shock Emmerdale return as Mandy Dingle after 18 years away – just in time to wreak havoc at Marlon’s wedding

EMMERDALE legend Mandy Dingle made a shock return to the village on Friday night - leaving fans in a frenzy online.

The character – played by Lisa Riley – was last seen on screen 18 years ago and landed in a taxi with teenage son Vinny in tow.

Fans celebrated on Twitter as she burst onto the scene wearing a leopard print coat, and predicted she'll drop a bombshell on Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) when she introduces her son.

One enthused: "Exciting times, Mandy is back"

Another person said: "Haven't watched #Emmerdale for a while so put it on tonight and #MandysBack! I'm guessing with a mini Paddy as well"

And a third said: "Bloody hell the return of #MandyDingle @LisaRileyUK is looking fabulous"

The episode was left on a cliff hanger, but The Sun Online previously revealed that Mandy will burst through the door as Marlon and Jessie's official wedding ceremony is getting underway.

Marlon and wedding witness Paddy Kirk – played by Dominic Brunt - are stunned by her arrival, and Paddy is left feeling awkward as his ex-wife Mandy takes her place beside him as the second witness.

As the wedding continues, a vulnerable Chas Dingle – Lucy Pargeter - leaves a message on Paddy’s phone and – feeling the strain of losing their baby – she sets off to find him.

But all hell breaks loose when Chas arrives and finds Mandy with Paddy.

Lisa's return was revealed in November and she previously said: “I could not be happier to be returning in the new year to Emmerdale.

“It's something I never thought would happen after 17 years and I am so interested to see what trouble Mandy is capable of causing.

“But mostly being back with all my old friends, it's like I've never been away.”