Emmerdale newcomer Bradley Riches makes sweet gesture to co-stars ahead of wedding

newcomer Bradley Riches says things are going so well on the soap that he’ll need to expand the guest-list at his wedding next year.

The Heartstopper star, 23, says he’s already invited his pals from the hit teen series and Celebrity to his marriage to Scott Johnston next April, at an English manor house. “I’ll probably end up inviting the whole cast," he laughed. "I’ll have been filming for over a year by then So, yes, we’ll definitely need to expand the guest list.”

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He says that landing a role in the long-running soap would have been particularly special for one family member. “It was my grandad Peter’s favourite soap. I’ve always had a special connection with Emmerdale. Maybe it was his parting gift. He’d have been buzzing.”

Bradley, best known for his role as Heartstopper's James McEwan, says he is ignoring those who have trolled him over the new role. Speaking about the negative comments he’s had on social media about joining Emmerdale, he says: “In this industry, you’ve always got to expect that, which is sad to say. Me being my true and authentic self, some people aren’t going to like that. I knew it was going to happen – a happy, gay, autistic person being delighted about getting a new job. Of course, someone will find the negative within that. But it was drowned out by loads of positivity. I’m having a bloody amazing time. Nobody’s going to dampen this experience for me.”

In the soap he will make his first appearance as Lewis Barton next week, making him the brother of Ross Barton, played by Michael Michael Parr. “My mum was who was killed some years ago by Moira Dingle, who is like a second mum to Ross. I reach out to him to say I’d love to meet him and know more about my mum but when we meet, we don’t see eye to eye. I’m very to-the-point and have a thousand questions I want answered, which scares Ross. So they really don’t create that brotherly bond and I leave. Obviously, I return! For Lewis, expect the unexpected – he’s got a few secrets up his sleeve.”

Bradley says Michael has helped him to settle in on set. “I’ve got a special bond with Mike - my first five weeks were just us two together. We’re like brothers – he’s very protective of me. He says, ‘You’re under my wing now!’ which is so sweet. When my role was announced, some people were a bit negative and he was like, ‘Nah, this is not happening.’

And while he’s enjoying his time on the soap immensely, he’s already got his eye on other projects. "I’m learning so much on Emmerdale and it’s so fast-paced, I’m happy to be doing this. I’d love to do Strictly one day though.”

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