Bradley Riches brings neurodiversity to Emmerdale as first autistic character
Bradley Riches has taken on the role of Lewis Barton, the first neurodivergent character on Emmerdale, marking a significant moment in representation, reports BritPanorama. “It was like, finally! An autistic actor actually playing an autistic role,” Riches expressed, highlighting the importance of authentic representation in media.
Lewis, introduced last year as the long-lost son of Emma Barton and half-brother of Pete, Ross, and Finn, provides viewers with a genuine portrayal of autism. He uses ear defenders to cope with loud environments, displays laughter as a coping mechanism for anxiety, and interacts in a straightforward, candid manner. A pivotal moment in his storyline involves experiencing an autistic burnout while working at Café Main Street, emphasizing the character’s depth beyond neurodiversity—he also experiences friendships, romance, and a fulfilling life.
Riches notes the positive impact Lewis has had within the community depicted on the show. “Lewis has been welcomed with open arms. He’s got a job. He’s got all these little things. It does open your eyes to be like, why can’t real life be like that?” he said, reflecting on the potential for societal improvement in how autistic individuals are treated.
Diagnosed with autism at nine, Riches was non-verbal until age ten, relying on sounds and movements for communication. His challenges were initially misunderstood by teachers, while his parents attempted various strategies to assist him. After an eight-month wait on an NHS waiting list, Riches received a private diagnosis thanks to his grandmother’s support. His parents subsequently enrolled him in several activities, none of which resonated until he found a drama club that helped him break through his communication barriers.
“I think it was because I like patterns and repetition. I heard ‘Splat!’ said a thousand times,” he recalls of a transformative moment at drama club that led to his verbal breakthrough. His acting journey extends from school performances to roles in commercials, and ultimately to his notable performance in the Netflix series Heartstopper.
However, his school experiences were challenging. “School was hell,” he writes in his new self-help book, Autistically Me. Bullied for his non-verbal communication and often feeling like an outsider, he found solace in drama but struggled with ongoing social anxiety and the pressure to mask his true self.
Riches describes the emotional toll of masking his autistic traits in daily life, stating, “After school, I would go home and have breakdowns because I was pretty burnt-out by pretending to be someone else the whole day.” His journey toward self-acceptance included seeking therapy and embracing acting as a form of escapism.
At sixteen, Riches recognized his queer identity and faced challenges in reconciling this aspect of himself alongside his autism. Fortunately, his family was supportive, mirroring their support throughout his journey with autism. “When I came out, it was definitely the stepping stone [to] being fully proud to be autistic and how my brain works,” he affirmed.
Riches’s role as James in Heartstopper and his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother enhanced his visibility in the entertainment world, ultimately leading to his casting in Emmerdale. His initial encounter with an Emmerdale producer was light-hearted, yet pivotal, as it set the stage for his audition as Lewis, which he ultimately landed after a different role did not feel right.
Response to Riches’s portrayal of Lewis has been mixed, with some viewers criticizing aspects of his character. “I thought I would get more upset by [the comments]. I look at them and part of me is like, ‘Ah, bless them,’” he reflected, viewing criticism as an opportunity to educate others about autism and sensory overload. Many parents have reached out to him expressing gratitude for his representation of their children.
Riches’s motivation for writing Autistically Me stems from his desire to offer guidance and support to individuals with autism and their families. He aims to foster understanding and acceptance, acknowledging how impactful representation could have been for him growing up. “If [the book] could help one person feel less weird and different, but also see difference in a positive way, then that’s definitely what I’ve wanted,” he states.
Autistically Me is set to be published on 9 June.
