Bradley Riches is one of the most exciting rising stars in British television, but his journey to fame is anything but ordinary. From overcoming significant communication challenges as a child to becoming a beloved figure on Netflix’s Heartstopper and ITV’s Emmerdale, his story is one of resilience, authenticity, and hope. Diagnosed with autism at age nine and non-verbal until he was ten, Bradley has used his platform to champion neurodivergent voices and prove that being different isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower . Now an award-winning actor and bestselling author, he continues to break barriers and inspire millions with his honesty and advocacy. This article explores his remarkable journey, career highlights, and his mission to help others embrace their unique minds.
Quick Facts About Bradley Riches
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bradley Stephen Riches |
| Date of Birth | 11 December 2001 |
| Birthplace | Surrey, England |
| Age | 24 (as of 2026) |
| Education | Emil Dale Academy (BA in Musical Theatre) |
| Occupation | Actor, Writer, Autism Advocate |
| Years Active | 2016–present |
| Known For | Heartstopper, Emmerdale, Celebrity Big Brother |
| Spouse | Scott Johnston (m. 2026) |
| Notable Works | Autistically Me, “A” Different Kind of Superpower |
| Social Media | 1.6M+ followers across platforms |
Early Life and Background
Bradley Stephen Riches was born on December 11, 2001, in Surrey, England . His early years were marked by significant challenges. He was diagnosed with autism at the age of nine and was non-verbal until he was ten years old, communicating primarily through sounds and movements .
Everything began to change when he started attending an after-school drama group. It was there that he discovered his voice. Bradley has shared that acting became a form of “escapism” and a way to express himself in ways he hadn’t been able to before. “I would use sounds or movements to communicate. I became really reserved,” he recalled. “Acting was an escapism. I was playing these characters who were far away from me, and it made me find me” .
He went on to hone his craft at the renowned Emil Dale Academy, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre . Interestingly, he wrote his dissertation on the challenges faced by neurodivergent performers, showcasing his early commitment to advocacy .
Career and Major Achievements
Early Stage Career
Bradley made his professional stage debut in 2016 at just 15 years old, appearing as twins Ben and Lisa in the musical Disaster! at London’s Charing Cross Theatre . This was the start of a successful stage career that included roles in Goodnight Mister Tom, Monstersongs, A Christmas Story: The Musical, and Footloose . In 2022, he appeared in Kin the Musical at The Other Palace .
Breakthrough Role in Heartstopper
Bradley’s television breakthrough came in April 2022 when he was cast as James McEwan, a student at Truham Grammar School, in the hit Netflix teen series Heartstopper . What began as a guest role in the first season expanded significantly in the second and third series, with his character developing a crush on Isaac Henderson .
The role resonated deeply with viewers, particularly those who are neurodivergent. Bradley became an instant fan favorite, not just for his performance but for his candid discussions about autism and the importance of representation on screen .
Emmerdale: A Dream Come True
In March 2025, it was announced that Bradley would be joining the cast of the ITV soap opera Emmerdale as Lewis Barton, a regular character and addition to the established Barton family . His character is significant as the first neurodivergent character in the show’s history, and Bradley has spoken passionately about the responsibility of bringing this representation to a mainstream audience .
Joining the soap was particularly meaningful for Bradley because Emmerdale was a favourite show of his late grandfather . He originally auditioned for a different role, but after a chemistry test with co-star Mike Parr, he secured the part of Lewis, feeling it was “meant to be” .
Celebrity Big Brother and Wreck
In March 2024, Bradley entered the Celebrity Big Brother house for the show’s twenty-third series, finishing 6th . He hoped to “fly the flag for autistic, queer people on a huge mainstream show” . Later that year, he appeared in the BBC One comedy horror series Wreck as Freddie .
Author and Advocate
Bradley is also a published author. In November 2023, he released his debut book, “A” Different Kind of Superpower, a semi-autobiographical children’s book that reframes neurodivergence as a superpower .
In June 2026, he followed up with his second book, Autistically Me: How to understand and celebrate our autistic minds. Described as a “celebratory toolkit for unique minds,” the book blends lived experience with practical advice on navigating autism . It became an instant bestseller .
Personal Life
Family and Marriage
Bradley is openly gay and has spoken about navigating a world “fit for neurotypical people” as a gay person with autism . In April 2024, he became engaged to theatre director Scott Johnston, and the couple got married on 8 April 2026 .
He has been open about the support he receives from his family and husband. His Emmerdale co-stars have also been incredibly supportive, with Bradley describing the set as “such a family” .
Advocacy and Mental Health
Bradley is a passionate advocate for autism awareness and neurodivergent representation. He frequently speaks about the realities of being autistic, including the importance of unmasking and the challenges of “burnout” .
In a deeply personal Instagram post celebrating his book launch, Bradley revealed a seven-year journey since a suicide attempt, writing: “7 years ago, I tried to end my life. Today, I’m on a train to begin my book tour… Life can change in ways you never expect. Never give up” . His message of hope and resilience has inspired many.
Bradley Riches’ Net Worth
As of early 2024, Bradley Riches was reported to have a net worth of approximately £100,000 . This fortune has been amassed through his various acting roles, including Heartstopper, Emmerdale, and film appearances such as 1917 and Saltburn . His successful books and appearances on reality TV have certainly contributed to his growing wealth.
Interesting Facts About Bradley Riches
- He was non-verbal until the age of 10. It was through drama that he found his voice and confidence .
- He wrote his university dissertation on neurodivergent performers. This reflects his lifelong commitment to advocacy .
- He took a call from ITV about Emmerdale while he was on a train. He felt the role was “meant to be” .
- He was invited to 10 Downing Street to discuss loneliness among young people, speaking about his own experiences as a queer autistic person .
- He has a fast-growing social media following of 1.6 million, where he cultivates a community celebrating neurodiverse minds .
- He won Best Newcomer at the Soap Awards for his role in Emmerdale, a moment he describes as a “really nice feeling” .
Bradley Riches: A Legacy of Authenticity
Bradley Riches is more than just an actor; he is a beacon of hope for the neurodivergent community. His journey from a non-verbal child struggling to communicate to a celebrated actor on major shows like Heartstopper and Emmerdale is nothing short of inspiring. He is living proof that an autism diagnosis is not a limitation but a different way of experiencing the world.
Through his acting, his books, and his advocacy, Bradley’s work ensures that autistic voices are heard and celebrated. As he often says, “You aren’t broken, you are you” . His legacy will be one of breaking down barriers and reminding everyone that being authentically yourself is the ultimate superpower.
Conclusion
Bradley Riches has proven that with resilience and authenticity, you can turn challenges into your greatest strengths. From his early struggles with communication to becoming a celebrated actor, author, and advocate, his journey is a powerful testament to the importance of representation and self-acceptance. Whether he is captivating audiences on screen or empowering readers with his books, Bradley’s impact is undeniable. As he continues to break barriers and inspire change, one thing is clear: Bradley Riches is a star on the rise, and his story is just beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Bradley Riches?
Bradley Riches is an English actor, writer, and autism advocate known for his roles as James McEwan in the Netflix series Heartstopper and Lewis Barton in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. He is also a bestselling author and a vocal advocate for neurodivergent representation .
What is Bradley Riches known for?
Bradley is best known for his role as James McEwan on Netflix’s Heartstopper and for playing the first neurodivergent character, Lewis Barton, on Emmerdale. He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2024 .
What books has Bradley Riches written?
Bradley has written two books: his debut children’s book, “A” Different Kind of Superpower (2023), and his latest book, Autistically Me: How to understand and celebrate our autistic minds (2026), a guide for embracing neurodiversity .
Is Bradley Riches autistic?
Yes, Bradley Riches was diagnosed with autism at the age of nine. He was non-verbal until the age of ten and has been very open about his experiences, using his platform to advocate for autism awareness and acceptance .
Who is Bradley Riches married to?
Bradley Riches married theatre director Scott Johnston on April 8, 2026. The couple got engaged in April 2024 .
