Overview

• Bradley Riches will debut as Lewis Barton, Ross Barton's secret half-brother, in next week's episodes of Emmerdale.
• The character was created specifically for Riches after a chance meeting with producer Laura Shaw, highlighting a push for authentic representation on British television.
• Riches and co-star Michael Parr, who plays Ross, have formed a close off-screen bond, with Parr describing their connection as an 'instant click.'
• Riches, who is openly gay and autistic, has received overwhelming positivity regarding his casting, despite anticipating some negative reactions.
• Outside of Emmerdale, Riches is preparing for his wedding next April to fiancé Scott Johnston, with plans for a ceremony at an English manor house.