Emmerdale star Bradley Riches, known for his role as Lewis Barton on the ITV soap, has revealed the devastating loss of his beloved grandmother just days before his upcoming wedding. The 24-year-old actor, who gained fame through Heartstopper and Celebrity Big Brother, is set to marry partner Scott Johnston in a ceremony that has now been overshadowed by this personal tragedy.
A Heartbreaking Announcement on Social Media
Bradley took to Instagram to share the sad news, posting a moving tribute alongside a photo of himself with his grandmother. In the caption, he expressed his grief, writing, 'Never did I think I would be saying goodbye to my Gt. Nanny just days before my wedding. Before she passed, she told me she’d be with me on my big day… and I know she will be.' He added that his grandmother had fully accepted and loved his relationship with Scott, concluding with, 'See ya later love you xxx.'
Support from Industry Friends and Fans
Following the announcement, Bradley received an outpouring of condolences from fellow actors and fans. Emmerdale co-stars such as Fred Kettle, Laura Norton, and Natalie Ann Jamieson sent heartfelt messages, while Instagram users offered words of comfort, with one writing, 'So sorry Bradley, that’s hard. She will be there, watching over you.' This support highlights the close-knit community within the entertainment industry and Bradley's widespread popularity.
Wedding Plans and Celebrity Guest List
Despite the somber news, Bradley's wedding preparations continue, with a star-studded guest list expected. In a recent interview with The Mail, he mentioned that friends from Emmerdale, Heartstopper, and Celebrity Big Brother will attend, including notable figures like David Potts, Colson Smith, and Sharon Osbourne. Bradley reflected on his career, saying, 'I looked at the list and went: “Oh my god, I’ve actually got quite a lot of famous friends, I didn’t realise”.'
Background on Bradley's Relationship and Career
Bradley and Scott got engaged in early 2024, shortly after Bradley's stint on Celebrity Big Brother, where he placed 6th. He shared the engagement news on social media with a romantic photo from Sorrento, Italy, captioning it, 'Erm…YES! I never thought I’d find someone who gets me and loves me for me.' His career has blossomed with roles in Heartstopper and Emmerdale, making him a recognizable figure in British television.
As Bradley navigates this difficult time, the wedding serves as a bittersweet occasion, blending joy with sorrow. Fans and colleagues alike are rallying around him, offering support as he honors his grandmother's memory while celebrating his future with Scott.
