Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, 42, admitted it was “weird” returning to the soap after a 17-year break from the show. Spilling all, she said: “It’s really weird. So much has happened in my life in 17 years. The whole process and the week-to-week roster is really different. They’ve been really kind and eased me in slowly.” Related articles Emmerdale spoilers: Mandy Dingle’s return REVEALED? Lisa Riley: Emmerdale star speaks of struggles amid comeback They’ve been really kind and eased me in slowly Lisa Riley But hinting she may not be sticking around for long, she added: “I haven’t got a fully-fledged pass yet, I’m still on a guest pass!” Lisa also refrained from giving anything away on a possible reunion with her ex-husband Paddy. When asked if she still has feelings for him, she added to OK! Magazine: “I don’t want to give that away. “I think that would ruin it for everybody.” But Lisa previously teased what’s in store for her character return. She told The Mirror: “She’s still in Southhampton and something has happened to her. Lisa Riley: Emmerdale star said it was 'weird' returning to the soap (Image: ITV•WENN) Lisa Riley: Emmerdale star hinted Mandy may not be sticking around for long (Image: GETTY) “She has a child called Vinnie. “They are very similar which is really nice and gives a lot of scope. “She’s been very happy and has a bit of money now, so she’s not as downtrodden as she was.” Meanwhile, amid her her 17-year break away from the show, Lisa discussed the personal struggles she faced. The Loose Women star admitted she struggled to cope with fame and suffered with anxiety and panic attacks. Related articles Emmerdale: Lisa Riley returns to soap after 17 years Emmerdale: Lisa Riley reveals how she lost 12 stone Lisa Riley: Emmerdale star is reprising her role as Mandy Dingle after 17 years (Image: ITV) Lisa Riley: Emmerdale star was previously married to Paddy Kirk on the soap (Image: ITV) She added to the publication: “It was a hard time for me, terrible. I couldn’t deal with fame, I couldn’t cope with it. “I had the most chronic anxiety and panic attacks, I just couldn’t come up for air. I had to leave – I would’ve gone crazy.” She added: “It has taken 17 years to find Lisa, love Lisa and enjoy being me. “Now I have learned to love myself, I can go back and play Mandy and know she isn’t going to take over again.” Emmerdale continues tonight on ITV at 7pm.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility