Emmerdale has brought a new face to the Dales and Heartstopper fans will immediately recognise him.

Actor Bradley Riches, 23, has joined the ITV soap as Lewis Barton, the latest member of the iconic Barton family. 

His casting has been previously teased, but the full details have been kept under wraps until now.

Bradley, who played James McEwan in Netflix’s Heartstopper, has taken on the role of Lewis, the younger brother of Ross, Pete, and the late Finn Barton.

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

The soap 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!

Emmerdale has brought a new face to the Dales and Heartstopper fans will immediately recognise him

Actor Bradley Riches, 23, has joined the ITV soap as Lewis Barton, the latest member of the iconic Barton family 

‘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.’

Speaking of his role, Bradley said: ‘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. I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store…’

Bradley played the character James in Heartstopper, the hit Netflix LGBTQ+ teen drama based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels.

James was introduced in season two as a new student at Truham Grammar School and a member of the school’s rugby team. 

Though he had a smaller role compared to the main cast, James stood out as a kind and friendly presence. 

Bradley, who played James McEwan in Netflix’s Heartstopper, has taken on the role of Lewis, the younger brother of Ross, Pete, and the late Finn Barton

Bradley played the character James in Heartstopper, the hit Netflix LGBTQ+ teen drama based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels

He quickly became part of the wider friend group and shared several scenes with key characters, including Charlie and Isaac.

Emmerdale producer, Laura Shaw, added: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Bradley to the Emmerdale family. 

‘Bradley brings a wealth of talent and his warmth, wit and charisma makes him perfect for this new Emmerdale role. 

‘We have some wonderful stories for him to play and we can’t wait for the audience to see Bradley bring his new character bursting into life on screen.’

In a first for the soap, Lewis is Emmerdale’s first openly neurodivergent character. 

Both Bradley and his character are autistic, and the show’s writers worked closely with him to ensure the portrayal was authentic.

Bradley told Atтιтude magazine: ‘The team were very open to my input. In the autistic community, many of us prefer to say ‘I’m autistic’ instead of ‘I have autism’. It’s part of who we are.’

With Lewis’s arrival, Emmerdale expanded its beloved Barton family and took a major step in representing neurodivergent voices on screen.