Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley receives an MBE in the King’s 2026 Birthday Honours, with reports noting it comes just weeks before her 50th birthday. The Bury-born performer is recognised for services to drama and charity. Riley says she initially thought she was being pranked, before learning the honour was genuine. Across coverage, she describes the award as a major personal milestone and expresses gratitude for the recognition. Multiple outlets also highlight her long career in acting, spanning decades, and her prominence through her role in Emmerdale as Mandy Dingle. She is reported to dedicate the honour to her late mother and to describe the MBE as a meaningful “birthday present.” One outlet also frames the award as a first for an ITV soap cast member, while other reports focus on the reasons for the honour and Riley’s reaction. The announcements place Riley among the recipients named in the King’s 2026 Birthday Honours list.