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Emmerdale casts Heartstopper star as mysterious new regular who is related to someone in village

Welcome to the village, Bradley!

Bradley Riches smiles to the camera while wearing a leather jacket.

ITV

Published: Wednesday, 19 March 2025 at 10:30 am

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Today, Wednesday 19th March, Emmerdale has confirmed a new cast member – and it's someone a lot of telly fans will be familiar with.

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The ITV soap has cast Bradley Riches as a new regular character.

Riches, 23, is perhaps best known for his role in Heartstopper, where he plays James McEwan. Last year, he appeared in Celebrity Big Brother, where he came 6th.

Details about Riches' character have so far been kept under tight wraps, but in a fun video on Emmerdale's socials, he let slip his character is called Lewis, and will be related to someone in the village...

Get your guesses out now!

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Fans can see Riches on screen in May.

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Speaking of his new role, Riches said: "I’m beyond excited to be joining Emmerdale! It’s a real bucket list moment for me, especially since it was my grandad’s favourite soap, I just know he’d be over the moon.

"Everyone has been so lovely and welcoming, and the village is even more amazing in real life. I absolutely love my character (though I can’t spill too much just yet!), and I’m just so grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store…"

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Bradley to the Emmerdale family. Bradley brings a wealth of talent and his warmth, wit and charisma makes him perfect for this new Emmerdale role.

"We have some wonderful stories for him to play and we can't wait for the audience to see Bradley bring his new character bursting into life on screen."

Read more:

Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 7:30pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.

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RadioTimes.com deputy editor Helen Daly. She has brown hair, is smiling and stands in front of a wall full of ITV programme logos

Helen DalyDeputy Digital Editor

Helen Daly is the deputy digital editor for Radio Times, overseeing new initiatives and commercial projects for the brand. She was previously Deputy TV Editor at a national publication. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.

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