Tragedy Ahead of Wedding

Bradley Riches has received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow actors after sharing the loss of a close family member just days before his wedding.

The Emmerdale star, who joined the ITV soap in May last year as Lewis Barton — the younger brother of Ross Barton, played by Michael Parr — quickly established himself as a fan favourite. Off-screen, Riches maintains a strong connection with his audience, regularly sharing personal updates with his 620,000 Instagram followers.

In a recent post, the 24-year-old revealed that his great-grandmother had passed away shortly before his upcoming wedding to partner Scott Johnston. Alongside a childhood photo of the pair, Riches wrote:

“Never did I think I would be saying goodbye to my Gt. Nanny just days before my wedding. Before she passed, she told me she’d be with me on my big day… and I know she will be.”

The message prompted an immediate response from colleagues across the television industry. Among those offering condolences were Emmerdale co-stars Amelia Flanagan, Beth Cordingly and Laura Norton, while Coronation Street actress Cait Fitton and former cast member Channique Sterling-Brown also shared messages of support.

Riches’ personal milestone comes amid a busy period in his career. The actor, who is also known for playing James McEwan in the Netflix series Heartstopper — a show led by creator Alice Oseman and starring breakout names such as Joe Locke and Kit Connor — announced his engagement in April 2024 following a romantic proposal in Sorrento, Italy.

Beyond his screen work, Riches has also stepped into publishing. Earlier this year, he released Autistically Me: How to Understand and Celebrate Our Unique Minds, a book reflecting on his experiences with neurodiversity and autism, further establishing his voice beyond acting.

Despite the personal loss, messages from fans and peers suggest the actor will be supported as he approaches both a significant life event and a continued rise within British television.