Emmerdale star Bradley Riches has been left 'absolutely heartbroken' after his coffee truck and car were stolen in a cruel crime, mirroring his on-screen storyline. The actor, who plays Lewis Barton on the ITV soap, shared the news on Instagram, revealing the theft occurred shortly after he attended the Heartstopper premiere.
Bradley Riches shares devastating news on Instagram
In a heartfelt post, Bradley wrote: 'Always sharing the highs and the lows on here. This week started so perfectly. I got back from the Heartstopper premiere after having the best time… only to come home and find out I’d been robbed. My car is gone, but what breaks my heart the most is that my coffee truck has been taken too. Two things I’ve worked so incredibly hard for, gone just like that. I’m absolutely heartbroken. To the person who took them, I hope you have a really bad day.'
The post was accompanied by a selfie, and the comment section quickly filled with supportive messages from friends and fans. Fellow Emmerdale star Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden, commented: 'I hope they are caught!!!' while Tip Toe star Iz Hesketh said: 'Baby I’m so sorry this happened to you.'
Official Instagram page confirms theft and asks for help
The official Instagram page for Bradley’s bar and café updated its bio to read 'currently stolen'. Bradley also uploaded a picture of the truck and an update: 'As you may have seen, our trailer, along with our car, has been stolen. We’re absolutely devastated. After everything we’ve put into building our little business, it’s incredibly upsetting to see it taken away like this. The theft has been reported to the police, who have been fantastic, but unfortunately they’ve been unable to locate either vehicle at its last known location.'
He urged followers in the Leeds and Bradford area to keep an eye out: 'Even the smallest piece of information could make a huge difference. If you think you’ve seen the trailer, the car, or anything that you think might be connected, please send us a private message as soon as possible. We’d be so grateful.'
On-screen robbery mirrors real-life ordeal
The real-life theft comes shortly after Bradley’s character Lewis Barton discovered his beloved café had been burgled on Emmerdale. In the soap, suspicion fell on his biological father Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill), though it was later revealed that Lewis’s brother Ross Barton (Michael Parr) and Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) orchestrated the event to drive a wedge between father and son.
Bradley’s fans have rallied around him, with many expressing sympathy and hope that the vehicles will be found. One fan wrote: 'I’m so sorry to hear this, Bradley. My heart honestly sank reading your post. I hope your car and your coffee truck are found soon.' Another added: 'Oh honey I’m so sorry. What an awful thing for someone to do. At least you weren’t home when it happened and you and the hubs are safe. How terribly violated you both must feel. Sending love.'
