I'm A Celebrity campmate Lisa Riley may be blissfully in love with her fiancé Al, but she has long insisted that marriage simply isn’t a priority for them — or at least, it wasn’t until recently. Despite being engaged for several years, the Emmerdale actress has been vocal about the emotional complexities behind her decision not to walk down the aisle.

So how long have the pair been together, and has Lisa truly changed her mind about tying the knot? Here’s everything you need to know.

Lisa Riley and Al: A Love Story That Started in 2014

Lisa first met her partner Al in 2014, during a Strictly Come Dancing tour event. Though their relationship blossomed quickly, she has always chosen to keep Al’s full identity private, guarding their personal life from the spotlight.

On Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast, Lisa described Al as the calming balance she always needed.

“I’m a Catherine wheel, and that’s what works and what I needed,” she explained, noting how his grounded nature steadies her energetic personality (BBC Entertainment, personality profiles).

Reflecting on past heartbreaks, Lisa admitted she once wondered whether she would ever find the right partner. But Al changed that.

Lisa Announces Her Engagement

After four years together, Al proposed in 2018, and Lisa joyfully shared the news on Instagram.

Posting a photo of herself proudly displaying her engagement ring, she wrote:

“Yes, I can now confirm the rumours are true… I have got engaged. My soulmate and best mate and love of my life Al is the best thing to have ever happened to me.”

She clarified immediately that they had “absolutely NO date set for ANY wedding day,” adding that they were simply happy — wanting “zero fuss” while celebrating their partnership.

According to relationship analysts, more couples today are opting for long engagements or skipping traditional ceremonies altogether (The Guardian, lifestyle commentary).

“We Must Be Doing Something Right”: Their Ninth Anniversary

In 2023, Lisa celebrated the couple’s ninth anniversary with a sweet Instagram post. Sharing a smiling selfie with Al, she wrote:

“HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BUBS. Wow, Mr Al… it’s nine years today, hey??? We must be doing something right!!! Love you… thanks for the laughter.”

She signed off with heartfelt hashtags like “love,” “blessed,” and “together,” emphasising the steady, affectionate bond they’ve built over the years.

The Heartbreaking Reason Lisa Hasn’t Married

In a candid interview with The Mirror earlier this year, Lisa admitted she still had no plans for a wedding — largely because of grief.

“We’re already married, but not married,” she said. “Honestly, I couldn’t cope with the big day without my mum by my side. Why would I put myself through that?”

Lisa’s mother, Cath, passed away from cancer in 2012. Al also recently lost his own mother, leaving the couple without the maternal figures who would traditionally share such a milestone (Daily Mail, entertainment coverage).

Lisa added:

“We’re not kids. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’ll be 11 years together in June.”

This sentiment echoes comments she made back in 2012, when she similarly questioned the purpose of a wedding without her mum present.

“I’m never going to change my name, so really, what would be different?” she said at the time.

“The Cost of Weddings Is Ridiculous”

Speaking to The Sun in August 2024, Lisa was once again frank about her feelings:

“Where are the days of going down on one knee, asking the dad first? The cost of weddings now is ridiculous.”

She criticised the modern trend of “Insta-engagements” — where many couples spend a fortune staging the perfect photo.

“They spend £400 on the right backdrop… balloon arches everywhere… urgh!”

For their 10th anniversary, Lisa revealed that Al planned a “beyond-gorgeous surprise.”

She added that, if they had money to spare, they’d rather spend it on travel — especially a dream trip to Japan — instead of a wedding. Travel, she said, is one of their shared passions (The Telegraph, travel lifestyle features).

Despite not being legally married, the pair already refer to one another as “husband” and “wife,” something Lisa says feels entirely natural.

“We Have Been Talking About Getting Married”

Yet, ahead of her I’m A Celebrity appearance, Lisa surprised fans by admitting she may be rethinking the idea — under one very specific condition.

Speaking to The Mirror, she revealed:

“My Al will be there at the end of the bridge waiting for me. We have been talking about getting married. It’s really weird. If I get to the final, then yes. It would make sense this year to come back with that and a wedding ring.”

However, she made it clear she wouldn’t get married in Australia, explaining that she must return directly to filming Emmerdale the day after she flies home.

The thought of a wedding without her mother remains painful:

“The thought of having a wedding without my mum… I don’t think I could cope with it.”

Still, she suggested that if there were ever a right moment, “2025 would definitely be it.”

With 11 years together, Lisa and Al have already built a life filled with loyalty, stability, shared humour, and deep affection — and whether they marry or not, their bond appears stronger than ever.