Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley pays sweet tribute to partner as they reach 12-year milestone
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has shared a lovely message for her partner as the couple celebrate 12 years together. The Mandy Dingle star has been dating musician Al Benković since 2014, when the pair were introduced by mutual friends.
Now, Lisa has taken to Instagram to share some pictures with Al and a sweet tribute to her “bubby”.
“HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MY BUBBY, My Al,” Lisa wrote in the caption.
“I love you, I keep loving you and I love laughing with you. Making memories, collecting moments (not things) being as stupid as we want to be because we can,” she continued.
“You make me smile bigger than I do normally, here’s to many more BIGGER smiles to come.
“Love you, and DAVOONALISHASH after ALL these years, thank you for putting up with my uniqueness-you should be honoured!!!!”
Recently, the Emmerdale star suffered a nasty fall and had to have surgery on her thumb, with her injury being written into the soap.
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Last week, Mandy could be seen wearing a sling on her arm after having had an unconventional domestic accident. When she entered The Woolpack, Charity Dingle asked what had happened to her.
“It’s just a little accident,” Mandy responded, to which Moira Dingle joked that she had “had a few Proseccos” and decided to see if she could still roller-skate.

The scene aired last week after Lisa shared an update on her recovery following her fall. The I’m a Celebrity star posted a video as she walks down a hospital corridor and shows off her cast-free hand.
“Bye bye cast – thumb is free!” she says in the clip, beaming.
“GREAT NEWS!!!! so I’ve just left hospital this morning and it’s nine weeks since I had my operation on my thumb… I am cast free,” the actor captioned the post on Instagram.
Lisa Riley Continues To Treasure Life’s Special Moments As She Celebrates Love, Recovery And Happiness
Emmerdale favourite Lisa Riley has once again delighted fans by sharing a heartfelt glimpse into her personal life, proving that some of life’s greatest joys come from the simple moments spent with loved ones.
The actress, who is best known for playing Mandy Dingle in the long-running ITV soap, recently opened up about her enduring relationship with partner Al Benković. The couple have now spent more than a decade together, and their bond appears stronger than ever.
Fans have long admired Lisa for her honesty and positivity, both on-screen and off. While Mandy Dingle often finds herself caught up in dramatic situations in Emmerdale, Lisa’s real-life story is one filled with gratitude, resilience and love.
Taking to social media, Lisa shared a collection of cherished photographs featuring herself and Al over the years. The images captured holidays, celebrations and countless candid moments that reflected the happiness they have built together.
Accompanying the photographs was a touching message in which Lisa expressed how much Al means to her. She spoke about the importance of laughter in their relationship and how their shared adventures continue to create memories that will last a lifetime.
The actress explained that she values experiences far more than material possessions. According to Lisa, collecting moments together has always been at the heart of their relationship. Whether they are travelling, spending quiet evenings at home or simply enjoying each other’s company, the couple have built a partnership based on mutual respect and understanding.
Many of Lisa’s followers flooded the comments section with messages of support and congratulations. Fans praised the couple’s enduring commitment and said it was inspiring to see such genuine affection after so many years together.
Several fellow soap stars also joined in the celebrations, offering warm wishes to the pair. The response highlighted just how popular Lisa remains both among viewers and within the television industry.
The anniversary celebrations come after what has been a challenging few months for the actress. Earlier this year, Lisa suffered a painful thumb injury following an unfortunate fall. The accident eventually required surgery, forcing her to take time away from some of her normal activities while she recovered.
Throughout the recovery process, Lisa kept fans updated with regular posts documenting her progress. Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of her injury, she approached the situation with her trademark humour and optimism.
At one stage, she revealed that everyday tasks had become surprisingly difficult. Simple activities that most people take for granted suddenly required extra effort and patience. However, Lisa remained determined not to let the setback affect her positive outlook.
Her followers admired the way she handled the situation. Many commented that her resilience served as a reminder to stay positive even when faced with unexpected challenges.
The injury was eventually incorporated into her Emmerdale storyline, allowing the soap to reflect Lisa’s real-life circumstances. Viewers noticed Mandy Dingle wearing a sling and discussing an off-screen accident, a clever solution that ensured continuity while the actress continued to heal.
Soap fans appreciated the realistic approach. Rather than attempting to hide the injury completely, the production team chose to weave it naturally into the narrative.
As the weeks passed, Lisa’s condition gradually improved. After months of treatment and rehabilitation, she finally received the news she had been hoping for.
In an emotional update shared online, the actress announced that her cast had been removed. The video showed Lisa smiling broadly as she celebrated reaching an important milestone in her recovery journey.
The moment represented far more than simply removing a cast. For Lisa, it symbolised perseverance, determination and the reward that comes from remaining patient during difficult times.
Speaking to her followers, she expressed enormous gratitude to the medical professionals who had supported her throughout the process. She also thanked friends, family and fans who had sent messages of encouragement during her recovery.
Unsurprisingly, Al played a major role during this period. Lisa hinted that her partner had been a constant source of support, helping her navigate the challenges that accompanied her injury.
Those close to the couple often describe their relationship as one built on teamwork. During both the highs and lows of life, they have consistently supported one another, something that Lisa frequently acknowledges.
Fans believe this unwavering support is one of the key reasons their relationship has remained so strong over the years. While many celebrity romances attract headlines for all the wrong reasons, Lisa and Al have largely stayed away from drama, choosing instead to focus on building a happy life together.
The actress has often spoken about embracing every stage of life with confidence and gratitude. Over the years, she has become known not only for her acting talent but also for her inspirational outlook.
Whether discussing health challenges, career milestones or personal achievements, Lisa consistently encourages people to celebrate their individuality and appreciate the present moment.
That philosophy was evident once again in her anniversary tribute. Rather than focusing on grand gestures, she highlighted the value of laughter, companionship and shared memories.
For many fans, this message resonated deeply. In an age dominated by social media perfection, Lisa’s honest reflections served as a refreshing reminder that happiness often comes from the simplest aspects of everyday life.
As she continues her recovery and looks ahead to the future, Lisa appears determined to make the most of every opportunity. With her health improving and her relationship thriving, there is clearly plenty for the actress to celebrate.
Meanwhile, viewers can continue watching Mandy Dingle’s latest adventures in Emmerdale, where the beloved character remains as entertaining and unpredictable as ever.
Away from the cameras, however, Lisa’s real-life story may be just as inspiring. Her journey over the past year has been marked by love, resilience and a determination to remain positive despite life’s inevitable challenges.
As fans look forward to seeing what comes next for the actress, one thing seems certain: Lisa Riley will continue embracing every moment with the same warmth, humour and enthusiasm that have made her one of Emmerdale’s most beloved stars.
And judging by her latest messages, she plans to keep making memories with Al for many years to come.
