Emmerdale’s Bradley Riches broke down in tears as he opened up about his late granddad and his link to the ITV soap on Friday’s installment of Lorraine.

The 23-year-old, who has recently taken on the role of Lewis Barton on the show, spoke to step-in host Christine Lampard, 46, about his time in The Dales.

While many know Bradley for his stint on Heartstopper, he also took part in Celebrity Big Brother last year and became a huge hit. 

Shortly after leaving the iconic house, Bradley revealed that his grandfather died while he was on the show as he shared a heartbreaking tribute post in March 2024.

While on Lorraine, Christine pointed out that Emmerdale was his grandad’s favourite soap and he got very emotional when they started talking about him. 

Fighting back the tears, Bradley said: ‘he pᴀssed away while I was going on Big Brother. 

Emmerdale’s Bradley Riches broke down in tears on Lorraine on Friday as he opened up about his late granddad and his link to the ITV soap

The 23-year-old, who has recently taken on the role of Lewis Barton on the show, spoke to step-in host Christine Lampard, 46, about his time in The Dales

While on Lorraine, Christine pointed out that Emmerdale was his grandad’s favourite soap and he got very emotional when they started talking about him

‘A whole year. I didn’t get a full goodbye, maybe this is him saying I’m doing great.’ 

Bradley wrote on Instagram at the time of his grandad’s death: ‘I just heard the sad news of my Grandad pᴀssing while in the BB house.

‘He was strong, kind and funny. I love you so much x.’

Back in March it was revealed that Bradley had joined Emmerdale in a ‘beyond exciting’ soap shake-up.  

At the time of the announcement, Bradley has said of his new role: ‘I’m beyond excited to be joining Emmerdale!

‘It’s a real bucket list moment for me, especially since it was my grandad’s favourite soap, I just know he’d be over the moon. 

‘Everyone has been so lovely and welcoming, and the village is even more amazing in real life.

‘I absolutely love my character (though I can’t spill too much just yet!), and I’m just so grateful for this opportunity.

Bradley took part in Celebrity Big Brother last year, and later announced that he had lost his grandad while he was in the house 

Read More Netflix star joins Emmerdale as new Barton family member in major soap shake-up

‘I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store.’

He later confirmed the news on Instagram with a playful post alongside Mike Parr – who played Ross. 

Emmerdale took to social media with a promotion sH๏τ and penned: ‘Admired actor, Bradley Riches, has joined the cast of Emmerdale as a new regular character! 

‘Known for his role in Heartstopper and for appearing in the last series of Celebrity Big Brother, Bradley who started filming in the Dales this week, will arrive onscreen in May.’

Bradley showed his face for the first time on Emmerdale on Thursday night. 

Celebrating the huge milestone, he wrote on Instagram: ‘FIRST EP AIRED! Directed by the incredible @ashgadhvi.

‘What did we all think of Lewis? What’s next for him? Will him and Ross see eye to eye?

‘Wow what an exciting journey! Thank you to Laura, Faye and the team for allowing me to play Lewis. Also thank you to the wonderful cast and crew who have been so welcoming. Special mention to my onscreen half brother @mikeparr226 who is just the best! Dream come true x.’

Since shooting to fame in 2016, Bradley has landed himself some roles in some incredible stage shows, programmes and films. 

He played a soldier in 1917 back in 2019, which was followed by his most well-known role of James McEwvan in Heartstopper. 

The actor also played Freddie in Wreck last year.  

He’s also starred in a number of stage shows such as Diaster! Goodnight Mister Tom, A Christmas Story: The Musical and Babies. 

Lorraine airs weekdays from 9:00am on ITV.