EXCLUSIVE: Emmerdale actor Bradley Riches teased a steamy new romance for Lewis Barton – hinting love could bloom in the ITV Dales amid shocking killer chaos
Lewis is looking for romance
Emmerdale actor Bradley Riches has hinted that a fresh romance could be on the cards for his character Lewis Barton – and it might just bring some light relief amid the Dales’ ongoing chaos.
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The soap star, who joined the ITV series earlier this year, spoke exclusively to Daily Star at the National Television Awards last week, where he teased big things for Lewis in the coming months.
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Bradley revealed: “Lewis needs a home, so that’s definitely coming up with him, moving in maybe with his brother, but who knows? I definitely think there’s a romance on the lines for Lewis, all the relationships start with a friendship so I think that will be the way to go.”
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GlasGLOW sparkles across the botanic gardens
Fans of the show know life in the village has been anything but peaceful in recent weeks, with murder twists, family feuds and shocking betrayals shaking the community. Against that backdrop, Lewis’s potential romance could provide the perfect balance – but Bradley kept tight-lipped on exactly who might catch his character’s eye, but it sounds like it could be a close pal.
Bradley joined the Dales in May 2025
The actor, who has also won praise for his role in Netflix hit Heartstopper, admitted the pace of Emmerdale is unlike anything he’s worked on before, but he’s relishing the challenge. He explained that Lewis’s storyline is set to grow, with deeper ties to the Barton family history expected to play out on screen.
Speaking about his experience on set, Bradley said the cast have welcomed him with open arms, and he’s excited for viewers to see Lewis “settle in properly” to village life – though he warned there are plenty of bumps in the road before that happens.
He looked dapper at the NTAs(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
And while he wouldn’t reveal whether his teased romance will be smooth sailing or filled with more drama, he promised fans the storyline will be worth the wait.
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As for Bradley himself, the NTAs proved a huge night, with the young star rubbing shoulders with soap royalty at the swanky event. He admitted being part of the awards night was “surreal” and said he was thrilled to celebrate with his Emmerdale co-stars as the show continues to entertain millions of viewers.
The NTAs were hosted at London’s O2 Arena and saw the best in the TV biz come together for a night of celebration including This Morning hosts, Love Island stars and soap actors alike. Drinks were generously provided by Kylie Minogue, Gary Barlow, Heineken, and Birra Moretti, while the unforgettable atmosphere was expertly orchestrated by events agency Scenario UK.
