Emmerdale Star Bradley Riches Unveils Lewis Barton's Dramatic New Chapter
Bradley Riches, the actor behind Emmerdale's Lewis Barton, has confirmed that his character is set for a significant new storyline involving romance and an unexpected twist. In an exclusive interview, Riches detailed the evolving dynamics in the village, particularly focusing on Lewis's relationship with housemate Vinny Dingle.
From Heartstopper to Emmerdale: Bradley Riches' Rising Career
Bradley Riches first gained recognition in 2022 as James McEwan in Netflix's hit series Heartstopper, based on Alice Oseman's comic. The show, which explores themes of love and identity among teenagers, became a cultural phenomenon. Riches' character James experienced unrequited feelings for Isaac Henderson, played by Tobie Donovan, highlighting the complexities of young romance.
Following this success, Riches appeared in the 23rd series of Celebrity Big Brother, finishing sixth. In 2025, he joined the cast of ITV's long-running soap Emmerdale, portraying Lewis Barton, the co-owner of the village café and long-lost brother of Ross Barton.
Lewis Barton's Romantic Journey with Vinny Dingle
Now settled in Emmerdale, Lewis finds himself navigating a budding romance with Vinny Dingle, played by Bradley Johnson. The chemistry between the two characters has been noted by other villagers, including Kammy Hadiq and Ross Barton. Both Lewis and Vinny have never had serious boyfriends before, making their growing feelings uncharted territory.
Riches explained that the pair are currently in a state of uncertainty. "Lewis is oblivious to a lot of things. He's definitely oblivious to there could be something more, but every so often there's a little, 'Ooh. I don't know what this is,'" he said. "Vinny's got a lot going on, working out his sexuality and his identity and becoming really close friends with Lewis."
The actor described their interactions as having "little romcom moments here and there", but emphasized that neither character is ready to confront their emotions fully. "It's unspoken words, we don't really know what's happening," Riches added, noting that their honesty with each other in other areas contrasts with this romantic tension.
The Importance of Autistic Representation
Lewis Barton is an autistic character, a trait shared by Bradley Riches himself. Riches has received widespread praise for his portrayal, highlighting the significance of neurodiverse representation on television. "I get a lot of comments and messages. It's been a really positive reaction as time's gone on, from parents, grandparents, autistic people and neurodiverse people themselves," he shared.
Riches believes that seeing an autistic character like Lewis living a full life in the village—working, forming relationships, and being part of a community—is empowering. "When they see an autistic neurodivergent character just living in the village, surrounded by people, having a job, creating relationships, all of these dynamics that autistic people seek, I think it's really positive and a cool representation," he said.
Last year, a poignant storyline depicted Lewis experiencing an autistic burnout, a state of severe exhaustion. Supported by Vinny and friend Nicola King, the scene resonated deeply with viewers. Riches noted that many people reached out to him, sharing their own experiences and appreciation for the accurate portrayal.
Upcoming Projects and Dramatic Twists
Beyond his role on Emmerdale, Riches is set to release a book titled Autistically Me on June 9th. Described as a toolkit for neurodiverse individuals, the book draws from his personal experiences and includes tips for navigating everyday challenges. "It's tips and tricks that I've learnt along my way. I'm using my own experiences and giving tips and tricks," he explained.
Looking ahead to 2026, Riches teased a dramatic curveball for Lewis Barton. While he remained cryptic about the details, he hinted that the storyline will be both impactful and lighthearted. "I think later down the line, he'll work out his relationship with Vinny, and there will be a curveball for Lewis, and it's going to be dramatic," Riches revealed. "In Lewis form though, it'll be quite comedic and light hearted, he never takes life too seriously."
Fans can expect to see Lewis continue his daily life at the café while navigating his relationship with Vinny and facing unexpected challenges. Riches' commitment to authentic representation and engaging storytelling ensures that Lewis Barton's journey will remain a highlight of Emmerdale in the coming year.
