Emmerdale fans have been bowled over by the arrival of newcomer Lewis Barton following star Bradley Riches’ on-screen debut.
Lewis made contact with village mainstay Ross (Michael Parr) earlier this week, sending a letter to Butler’s Farm which detailed their shared family history and explained that Emma Barton is his mum too.
Long-time fans of the ITV soap will recall that devilish Emma, who claimed the lives of son Finn and ex James, was pushed to her death by Moira (Natalie J Robb), with Ross helping in covering up her secret.
Fearful that Lewis’ arrival could open old wounds, Ross resisted the urge to get in touch with the sibling he never knew existed but, knowing how lonely he’s been without his family around him, Moira reckoned it was a risk worth taking.
Left with food for thought, Ross decided to organise a meeting with Lewis, as the brothers met for the first time.
The scenes in question marked the debut of Heartstopper star Bradley, who confirmed that he was joining Emmerdale earlier this year.
The meeting was short, with Ross having seconds thoughts after his newfound brother started to ask about Emma.
But despite having made just one appearance thus far, Emmerdale fans have already made up their minds about newcomer Lewis – and they’re all saying the same thing!
‘I love Lewis Barton’
Taking to social media, X/Twitter user @corriedalexo wrote: ‘I love lewis barton already!!, and they weren’t alone, with @Wee_Westie29 echoing such a sentiment, writing: ”I’m loving lewis already.’
It was praise across the board, with @blue_laur11 adding: ‘I like the new Barton Brother Lewis he’s going to bring cheekiness into the Dales him and Ross are going to be so sweet !!.’
Fan Katie, meanwhile, said: ‘Uh oh… I like Lewis already’.
Talk about a first impression to remember!
While Ross contemplates his relationship with Lewis, fans can rest assured that this is just the beginning for the newcomer, who will appear on a more permanent basis in the coming weeks.
In fact, next week Lewis comes face-to-face with Moira!
The crossing of paths comes in the wake of the slurry incident up at Butlers – John Sugden, you menace! – and thus Moira isn’t in the right frame of mind. The farmer is quickly overwhelmed by the bad memories it dredges up.
Lewis, meanwhile, has a secret of his own as Ross learns that he’s been growing weed!
Verdict
Making an impression in an episode largely devoted to the dastardly deeds of Joe Tate and John Sugden is no mean feat but Lewis managed it with ease, proving the perfect antidote to the ITV soap’s darker stories.
Bradley Riches understood the assignment, with his performance ensuring that Lewis would achieve fan-favourite status from his very first line of dialogue.
The character’s dynamic with Ross is incredibly sweet and will provide us with the opportunity to see the softer side of Ross once again, which I would argue is when he’s at his best.
Much like the fans, I found Lewis a proper breath of fresh of fresh air and I look forward to seeing him slot into the village – and who he’ll connect with. A friendship with Ruby or Steph, perhaps? That feels like a must.
