ITV Share By Vicky French Aug 13 2025 By Vicky French Aug 13 2025 Emmerdale newcomer Bradley Riches hits back at trolls following online hate comments Emmerdale newcomer Bradley Riches discussed the importance of representation Bradley Riches Lewis Barton Share By Vicky French Aug 13 2025 By Vicky French Aug 13 2025 Back in May, Ross Barton was in for a shock when he learnt he had a half-brother he never knew existed. Lewis actor, Bradley Riches, was previously known for his work in Heartstopper. Fans were delighted to see him enter the village, especially as a new addition to the Barton family. Bradley Riches arrived as Lewis Barton earlier this year (Credit: ITV) Emmerdale fans are loving Bradley Riches’ portrayal Though the brothers clashed at first, they’ve built their relationship since then. Lewis has slotted in nicely to the community, forming an unexpected bond with Nicola. Between working in the cafe, and fancying himself a bit of a matchmaker after getting Steph and Ross back together, he has become a popular newcomer. He’s even snagged himself a well deserved nomination for best newcomer at this year’s Inside Soap Awards! article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Lewis, much like Riches himself, is both gay and neurodivergent. Fans are loving autistic representation, as well more LGBT representation in the village. Bradley is passionate about representation (Credit: ITV) Bradley rises above the trolls Unfortunately, Bradley has also faced his fair share of trolling since joining the soap. Back in June, he hit back at trolls in an Instagram post, stating: “For many people, this might be the first time they’ve seen someone like him on screen and that’s exactly why representation matters. “The unfamiliar can feel uncomfortable at first. But when we show the full spectrum of real people, we help open hearts, minds and conversations.” The post garnered almost 22,000 likes, and friends, co-stars and fans flooded the comments with praise and gratitude both for the post and his portrayal. Lewis has fit in brilliantly – and proves why we need representation (Credit: ITV) Lewis Barton proves that representation is important Following on from this, in an ITV News interview last week, Bradley Riches stated he hopes the characters ‘gives the community a voice.’ He added that if neurodivergent viewers see themselves in Lewis Barton, Emmerdale is ‘moving in the right direction with representing the community.’ Bradley believes the trolling stems from a lack of understanding, stating that ‘neurodivergent people get viewed like this all the time: misjudged and pre-judged.’ All of this unnecessary judgement only proves how important representation is, and Bradley’s empathy and grace towards these trolls proves what a class act he truly is — on and off screen. Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2025? A complete guide to departures, returns and new arrivals in the Dales Share Good to Know Share By Vicky French Aug 13 2025 By Vicky French Aug 13 2025
