Emmerdale star Bradley Riches, who plays Lewis Barton in the soap, opened up about his experience as a first neurodivergent character in the show. Furthermore, he revealed that he didn’t speak until he was ten. Stay with us to get more insights.
Lewis Is Soap’s First Neurodivergent Character!
Bradley Riches plays the character of Lewis Barton in the soap. He joined the soap last year. Lewis Barton arrived as the long-lost brother of Ross Barton. He tried to talk to him as he wanted to know about his mother, Emma. However, this resulted in conflict. He also left the village, but after some time he came back.
Then things sorted out between them. Later, Lewis started working at a pub. However, while working, he had a panic attack. The neurodivergent character opened up to Vinny about his struggle. He told him that he was overwhelmed seeing the crowd, so he ran home.
Meanwhile, the soap also showed him with Vinny. The soap fans are excited to see them together. Sparks have been flying between them. Apart from the love story, the show’s first autistic character also has a link with Kev. The soap viewers learned that Kev is his biological father, but Lewis is unaware.
Bradley, Who Stayed Silent For Years Is Now Making History!
Elsewhere, Bradley Riches made an appearance at the BAFTA TV Awards on May 10. He wore a pale blue longline suit along with a monochrome tie. He opened up on the amazing experience of playing the first neurodivergent character in the soap. He has been playing the show’s first autistic character.
Meanwhile, the soap star shared that he was diagnosed with autism at the age of nine. Bradley Riches also revealed that he did not speak until the age of ten. The soap actor told The Independent at the Awards that it is really cool to be like a role model to the community.
Bradley added that as of 2026, he shouldn’t be the first neurodivergent character. Thus, the soap star has inspired many autistic people with his journey. Share your thoughts about it in the comments. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Emmerdale updates.