Celebrity Big Brother and Netflix star Bradley Ritches is set to join Emmerdale in a mysterious new plot.
The 23-year-old, who is best known for playing James McEwan in Neflix’s teen series Heartstopper, will arrive in the village this summer as a relation to an existing villager.
Ritches has already begun filming and will appear on screen this May.
He 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…”
According to The Sun, a source has said that soap bosses are keeping the character’s identity a “closely-guarded secret”.
“He’s got a family connection to a major character in the village and he’s definitely going to set the cat among the pigeons when he arrives,” they added.
Emmerdale producer, Laura Shaw, commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Bradley to the Emmerdale family.
Admired actor, Bradley Riches, has joined the cast of Emmerdale as a new regular character! 😍
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) March 19, 2025
Read more here: https://t.co/YYuxJj3yy6#Emmerdale @ITV pic.twitter.com/tKDarvnspK
“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.”
Who is Bradley Ritches?
Born in Surrey, Riches attended drama school before Netflix's LGBTQ drama Heartstopper came calling.
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After finding fame in Heartstopper, Ritches went on to compete on ITV’s first Celebrity Big Brother series in 2024, being voted out in sixth place just one day before the final.
Riches' has spoken openly about being autistic and how the world can feel “chaotic”.
Appearing on the BBC Sounds Access All podcast last year, he said his autism meant he did not speak until he was 10-years-old.
"I would use sounds or movements to communicate. I became really reserved," he explained.
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