Bradley Riches is fast becoming a hot topic in the world of British television, yet his path to stardom has been far from conventional.
His journey, marked by overcoming the hurdles of living with autism and discovering his talent for performance, is a testament to his resilience.
In recent times, he's won over audiences as a beloved character in Netflix's Heartstopper and is poised to feature in one of the UK's top soaps.
Behind his rising fame lies a tale of personal victories, familial heartaches, and unwavering determination. Let's delve deeper into Bradley's life and find out when we can expect to see the 23 year old regularly gracing our screens.
Early diagnosis
Born on December 11, 2001, in Surrey, England, Bradley was diagnosed with autism at nine years old. His early childhood was characterised by difficulties in communication - he didn't start speaking until he was ten.
However, joining an after-school drama club marked a turning point in his life. This creative outlet allowed him to express himself in new ways, sparking a love for performing that would shape his future.
He further developed his skills at the prestigious Emil Dale Academy, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre, and began making appearances in stage productions such as Disaster! and Goodnight Mister Tom.
Reflecting on how he navigated his communication challenges, he shared: "I would use sounds or movements to communicate. I became really reserved. He shared: "I started to find these people who are very similar to me and I started to use my voice as a form of communication. It allowed me to accept myself a lot more."
"Acting was an escapism. I was playing these characters who were far away from me, and it made me find me."
Celebrity Big Brother heartbreak
In a devastating turn of events during his stint on ITV's Celebrity Big Brother in March 2024, Bradley was informed of the heartbreaking news that his grandfather had passed away. Coping with the loss was particularly challenging due to the public nature of the show.
Upon his exit, Bradley took to Instagram to post a heartfelt homage to his late grandfather, sharing a photo and praising him as "strong, kind, and funny", while expressing gratitude for the unwavering support he received throughout his life and career.
Alongside a picture of his grandad on Instagram, he penned: "I just heard the sad news of my Grandad passing while in the BB house. He was strong, kind and funny. I love you so much x."
Who is Bradley Riches playing in Emmerdale?
Bradley first captured the hearts of television viewers in Netflix's Heartstopper, where he played the endearing James McEwan.
With his portrayal of a gentle, shy student, he formed a special connection with those audiences who saw themselves reflected in his character—especially as Bradley himself identifies as neurodivergent.
He didn't just charm fans through his character; his openness about autism and inclusivity in media won them over too.
Come 2025, Bradley clinched an important role in ITV’s Emmerdale as Lewis, stirring intrigue as a newcomer with connections to one of the familiar faces in the village. Joining the cast of Emmerdale has been described as a "dream come true" by the latest addition to the show, especially poignant as it was a cherished programme of his late grandfather.
Viewers can expect Bradley's character to light up the ITV soap this summer. In a revelation to The Sun, an inside source spilled: "Bosses are keeping Bradley's character's identity a closely-guarded secret."
They teased further: "He's got a family connection to a major character in the village and he's definitely going to set the cat amongst the pigeons when he arrives. "
Online trolling
After the announcement of Bradley's new role, the actor took a stand against online abuse.Voicing his response, Bradley expressed on social media: "Beyond excited to be joining Emmerdale! A dream come true."
Yet, he also felt compelled to address negative backlash: "But let's talk real for a second. Some of the comments and messages I've received are vile.
"Too many people are quick to judge me regarding my sexuality or being autistic, without thinking about the impact of their words. Before you speak, ask yourself: Do I really need to say this?
"Kindness costs nothing, but mean comments and hiding behind your screens says a LOT about you. But lucky for you I won't be behind a screen... I will be on YOUR SCREEN! If you're mad stay mad! See you soon x."
Emmerdale airs Mondays-Fridays at 7:30pm on ITV1
English (United States) ·