Emmerdale’s Jane Cox opens up about leaving Lisa Dingle behind and embracing new challenges
Lisa Dingle actress Jane Cox left Emmerdale in 2019 after more than two decades playing the lovable character in the Dales, and has since pursued a new career
Lisa Dingle actress Jane Cox left Emmerdale in 2019 after more than two decades playing the lovable character in the Dales, and has since pursued a new career
It’s been over five years since Lisa Dingle (played by Jane Cox) was last seen in the Dales. The actress is famous for her 23-year stint as Lisa on Emmerdale before the much-loved character left the show in 2019.
Lisa, the matriarch of the Dingle family, was known for her kindness and resilience, especially when faced with tough situations. She was married to Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell), whose death is currently being shown on the ITV soap.
Throughout their long marriage, Lisa and Zak encountered many obstacles, but Zak’s affair with Joanie Wright (Denise Black) signalled the end of their relationship.
The pair are also parents to Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper), whose birth came as a surprise as Lisa didn’t know she was pregnant.
However, in 2019, Jane Cox decided it was time to retire Lisa Dingle’s character, leaving Emmerdale for good, reports the Express.
In emotional scenes, Lisa revealed to Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) that she had been diagnosed with a terminal heart condition called amyloidosis. After returning from Scotland, she shared the news with the rest of her family.
Despite their history, Lisa and Zak managed to rekindle their love and planned to remarry. However, in a heartbreaking twist, Lisa died on their wedding day.
Jane, now 71, was 67 when she felt it was the right time to leave the soap, driven by a feeling that life had more to offer.
In a heartfelt confession to The Mirror, Jane divulged: “I know if I hadn’t have left now I never would. Life is such an exciting thing, you never know what is around the corner.”
She also said: “It was a big decision but I know it is the right thing. It is completely life-changing. But I decided I wanted to do different things.”
Jane reflected on the profound impact personal loss has had on her perspective, mentioning: “My mum died a couple of years ago, so it does make you think a lot about the big things in life. As you get older life feels shorter although of course I am going to live to 150!”
After waving goodbye to audiences in October 2019, Jane has turned a new leaf and delved into reflexology, notes Inside Soap.
However, she hasn’t ruled out returning to her craft, declaring: “I’m available for acting roles, but at the moment I’m just chilling which is a luxury for me.”
In a catch-up with Digital Spy, Jane put to rest any notions about craving the spotlight: “I don’t consider [myself] to be a celebrity in that way.”
Emmerdale’s fans are bracing themselves for a poignant episode scheduled for Thursday (October 17), when they will pay respects to Lisa Dingle and farewell Zak Dingle, as the programme pays tribute to Steve Halliwell, who passed away in December 2023.
