Emmerdale newbie Bradley Riches has shared an insight into his character’s backstory ahead of his screen debut.
The actor got his big break playing James McEwan in Netflix’s Heartstopper, starring opposite Kit Connor and Joe Locke.
Then, last year, he entered the Celebrity Big Brother house, becoming the seventh evictee in a savage backdoor exit shortly before the final.
In March, the 23-year-old announced his latest role in the Dales, teasing soap fans by revealing he’d already started filming.
Now, Bradley has confirmed that his character, named Lewis, will arrive with a connection to one iconic Emmerdale family.
Taking to Instagram tonight, the performer shared a photo standing beside Mike Parr, who has played Ross Barton since 2013.
With an arm around one another and Bradley flashing a thumbs-up, the new co-stars had seemingly been filming on the farm itself, as the photo was taken in the stables.
Bradley wore some classic Emmerdale-esque gear, including a patterned polo shirt and gilet.
Revealing how Lewis and Ross will share blood, his caption read: ‘Hello brother… I guess good looks do run in the family 👀’
Taking to the comments, Bradley’s followers expressed their excitement for what’s in store.
‘Omg you’re part of an iconic family Bradley 😍 the Barton’s can’t wait [sic]’, commented @ashley_bramwell.
A stunned @pratkins.tt declared: ‘omg another barton brother!!’, to which Bradley replied: ‘Surprise surprise’.
@melissa2482 added: ‘Can’t wait to see you in Emmerdale Bradley! 😍’
‘Convinced you were gonna be a Tate or a Dingle, I guess I was so so wrong’, said @megan_alyss_.
This means Lewis is the younger brother of Ross, Pete, and the late Finn.
Offering more detail to his backstory, Bradley told Attitude: ‘I play Lewis Barton. He’s studying at Leeds University and related to Ross [portrayed by Michael Parr].’
It’s believed Lewis will have known about his older brother for a while but is only just now building up the courage to reach out.
But when he starts asking questions about their family, will they get along?
Bradley initially got the role after doing some networking with a producer at the NTAs. Bradley then auditioned for the role of April Windsor’s homeless friend, Dylan, but was instead offered Lewis.
He added: ‘I came to Leeds for a meeting for a different character, Dylan, who is in April’s storyline. But then the schedule didn’t work, and I thought I’d missed the opportunity.
‘I felt like it was meant to be. The personality of the character fits me so much better.’
When announcing his casting in the long-running ITV soap, Bradley’s statement read: ‘I’m beyond excited to be joining Emmerdale! It’s a real bucket list moment for me, especially since it was my grandad’s favourite soap. I just know he’d be over the moon.
‘Everyone has been so lovely and welcoming, and the village is even more amazing in real life. I absolutely love my character (though I can’t spill too much just yet!), and I’m just so grateful for this opportunity.
‘I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store…’
