From Non-Verbal Childhood to Emmerdale Breakthrough

Emmerdale actor Bradley Riches, who plays Lewis Barton, has shared an emotional and deeply personal insight into his life. Bradley, now 23, revealed he was diagnosed as autistic at nine and remained non-verbal until age 12. He described how professionals once warned his parents that he would “never have a job.” Today, he is one of British TV’s rising young stars.

Much like his on-screen character, Bradley understands the intense emotional world that autistic people navigate daily. Lewis often masks his true feelings, and next week’s episodes explore how overwhelming social situations can become for him. Bradley says he relates deeply to those moments. As a teenager, he also left parties early when the noise and chaos felt too much.

A Childhood Defined by Unique Communication

Bradley spoke with pride about his early years. He spent much of his childhood communicating through pictures, colours, and sounds. If he wanted something, he would point to cards on the wall. He remembers living in a “bubble” filled with Lego, routines, and comfort.

His parents, Karen and Julian, refused to give up on him. They encouraged creativity and patience, even when teachers feared he would never speak. That support shaped him. When his grandmother suggested drama classes, everything changed. Bradley slowly built confidence, watched Disney shows to mimic voices, and opened the door to speech.

At 12 years old, his first spoken word was “Abba,” said while trying to say his sister Amber’s name.

Finding His Voice — and His Future

Bradley worked through bullying and speech therapy and began to flourish. He later landed roles in Heartstopper, Celebrity Big Brother, and eventually Emmerdale. A chance meeting with the Emmerdale casting director at the NTAs opened the door to Lewis Barton — a role he now calls “life-changing.”

On the soap, viewers will soon see Lewis pushed to breaking point when a housewarming party becomes too much for him. Bradley says the storyline reflects real autistic experiences, especially the silent pressure to appear “fine” in public.

He is proud to bring authenticity to the screen. “There was never anyone like me on TV,” he said. “I want people to know autism isn’t negative.”

Love, Support & What Comes Next for Lewis

Bradley is happily engaged to theatre director Scott Johnston, and the pair are planning an April wedding. He’s also running Lisa Riley’s social media while she appears on I’m A Celebrity, joking that he will “definitely push for trials.”

Looking ahead, Bradley teased a huge Emmerdale twist. Viewers will learn the truth about Lewis’s real father, though Lewis himself will remain in the dark.

“Playing Lewis is so cool,” he said with a smile. “There’s so much more to come.”