Bradley Riches, known to many as the unlucky-in-love James McEwan from the Netflix series Heartstopper, has taken a significant step forward in his career by joining the cast of Emmerdale.
This long-running British soap, which first aired in 1972, has built a reputation for tackling diverse storylines and has become a staple of evening television across the UK.
For Bradley Riches, stepping into the world of Emmerdale marks a dream come true, as he recently expressed being “beyond excited” about his new role.
Though he has not yet disclosed details about the character he will portray, fans can anticipate drama, mystery, and the sort of emotional depth that has kept Emmerdale on the air for over five decades.
A Rising Star
Before landing his spot in Heartstopper, Bradley Riches honed his acting skills through various stage and screen projects.
He appeared in Babies the Musical on London’s West End, showcasing his flair for live performance.
He also took on the role of Peter Pan in The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, where audiences praised his energetic portrayal of the iconic character.
Beyond that, he made an impression on reality TV enthusiasts by appearing on a celebrity edition of Big Brother and by starring as Freddy in the BBC slasher Wreck.
These eclectic experiences have helped him cultivate a versatile acting style, which fans believe will serve him well in the unpredictable plot twists of Emmerdale.
Engagement News
Amid all the professional excitement, Bradley Riches has also been celebrating a milestone in his personal life.
He got engaged to his boyfriend Scott Johnston a year ago, sharing the news with close friends and family before quietly confirming it on social media.
While he tends to keep the details of his private life out of the spotlight, he has occasionally posted glimpses of their relationship, much to the delight of his supporters.
+Related: ‘Heartstopper’ Star Bradley Riches Just Got Engaged to Boyfriend
Fans have been quick to congratulate the couple, noting that the engagement coincides perfectly with his career upswing.
In an industry that can often blur the line between public and private, Bradley Riches has demonstrated that it is possible to nurture a loving relationship while pursuing an ever-growing list of professional ambitions.
What to Expect Next
Production on Emmerdale is already underway, and reports suggest that Bradley Riches filmed his first scenes this week, set to air in May.
Fans of the soap have been buzzing on social media, with longtime cast members like Lisa Riley (who plays Mandy Dingle) welcoming him warmly to the “farm.”
Meanwhile, Michelle Hardwick, known as Vanessa Woodfield on the show, expressed her excitement by tweeting that she looks forward to meeting him on set.
With a diverse background in stage musicals, television dramas, and even reality TV, Bradley Riches brings a wealth of talent to the Emmerdale ensemble.
His warmth, wit, and on-screen charm have already won over fans of Heartstopper, and now viewers of Emmerdale are eager to see how his new role will unfold.
As he balances his engagement with a blossoming career, Bradley Riches stands poised to make 2025 a year of milestones both on and off the screen.
Given his proven ability to adapt to different genres, from teenage romance to theatrical musicals, there is little doubt that he will leave a memorable impression on one of the UK’s most beloved soaps.
While the specifics of his character remain under wraps, one thing is certain: with Bradley Riches in the mix, Emmerdale is bound to deliver another layer of intrigue and heart to its ever-expanding storyline.
Viewers can tune in to ITV1 or stream episodes on ITVX to follow his journey and discover how this rising star’s talents will reshape the fabric of the fictional village.