Bradley Riches Celebrates Six Months on Emmerdale

Bradley Riches joined Emmerdale earlier this year as Lewis Barton, and as he reaches his six-month milestone on the soap, he has shared a heartfelt message with fans. Since his debut, Lewis has been central to numerous storylines, including the revelation that Kev is his father, and there is clearly much more drama to come (Digital Spy; Radio Times).

For Bradley, portraying Emmerdale’s very first autistic character has been a source of immense pride. In a detailed social media post marking six months on the show, he reflected on the importance of representation and how much his character has resonated with viewers.

A Heartfelt Message to Fans

Sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the set, Bradley wrote, “Six months of Lewis Barton. What an incredible journey it has been – stepping into a dream role on Emmerdale, a show I grew up watching. One that has meant so much to me and my family. To be able to join this cast, crew and family still feels unreal, and I am grateful every single day” (Digital Spy).

He continued, “Playing the first autistic character on Emmerdale is something I am deeply proud of. Representation matters and it means the world to hear how Lewis has connected with people, helped them feel seen, or opened up conversations that should have been happening long before now. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, shared their experiences, or taken the time to send a message. It truly keeps me going.”

Bradley also reflected on his personal journey, saying, “I can’t help but think of younger me, who never imagined any of this being possible. And of my grandad, who loved Emmerdale more than anyone I knew. I wish he could see this moment. But I carry him with me in every step of the journey. Thank you for an unforgettable six months. Here’s to everything still to come” (Mirror; Express).

Co-Stars Share Their Congratulations

Bradley’s post received praise from fans and co-stars alike. Danny Miller commented, “Beautiful addition to the family. Everyone loves you my lovely friend. And rightly so!” His on-screen brother Mike Parr wrote, “My brother from the same mother,” while Laura Norts, who plays Kerry Wyatt, added, “Ray of sunshine” (Digital Spy). Several other stars, including Fred Kettle and Bradley Johnson, liked the post, showing support for Bradley and his work on the show.

Exciting Storylines Ahead

While Bradley has been portraying Lewis for six months, there is still plenty of drama to come. Upcoming Emmerdale spoilers suggest that Lewis will begin to feel overwhelmed during the housewarming party this week. When Kev arrives to collect his jacket, the pair share a meaningful moment, hinting at their familial connection. The question remains when they will realize they are father and son, and how this revelation will affect both characters (Radio Times).

Fans have praised the show for its sensitive portrayal of autism through Lewis Barton. Television critics have highlighted how the storyline encourages conversations about neurodiversity and representation in mainstream media, which remains a relatively rare focus on British soaps (The Guardian).

Bradley’s Impact on Representation

Bradley has expressed hope that Lewis’ character continues to resonate with viewers and helps normalize the representation of autistic individuals on television. He said, “If Lewis can make even one person feel understood or seen, then everything I’ve worked for is worth it. The feedback I’ve had from fans sharing their own stories has been emotional and motivating” (BBC News).

With six months behind him, Bradley’s journey on Emmerdale seems only just beginning. Audiences can expect more complex storylines, emotional growth, and the type of drama that has made the show a staple of British television for decades. Lewis Barton has already made an impact, and as the father-son storyline with Kev unfolds, it promises to be a pivotal moment in the soap’s narrative.