ITV announced this week that a new face will be joining Emmerdale in the coming weeks – but who is Bradley Riches playing? Heartstopper star Bradley, 23, announced his casting on social media as the news broke, describing himself as “beyond excited” in a statement through the soap’s Instagram page.
However, neither Bradley nor the soap’s producers have revealed who he will be playing, with producer Laura Shaw instead mentioning a “new character” and Bradley saying “I can’t spill too much just yet!”
What we do know from a video posted to Instagram, is that his character will be called Lewis (maybe) and that he’s related to… someone (maybe).
Who could Bradley Riches be playing on Emmerdale?
Writing on social media as the news dropped, fans shared their theories as to who Bradley might be playing. And with such an air of mystery, many were quick to speculate that he might be either the love child of a long-time resident, or the long-lost family of another.
“I wonder where he’ll fit in? Maybe a new staff member behind the bar at the Woolpack? And a new love interest for Arthur?” speculated one fan on Reddit.
“In the video posted he hints that his character is called Lewis and is related to someone already on the show. Another long lost child?” observed another.
All reasonable theories, but who exactly?
Love child of Joe or Caleb
Many wondered whether ‘Lewis’ might be the love child of one of the characters. And for many, it was between two men – Caleb Miligan and Joe Tate.
“With how it’s become the Caleb show lately I expect this will be one of his many illegitimate children I’m sure exist,” wrote one fan.
“Joe’s secret love child,” suggested another.
“I’m guessing he’ll be somebody’s long lost son – Caleb? Liam? Another [expletive] Dingle?” asked a third.
If true, that would make him either a Tate or both a Dingle and a Tate. Good heritage.
Love interest for Arthur
If there was a consensus, it’s that Bradley will likely serve as Arthur’s new love interest. Aside from lying about John, Arthur hasn’t seen much action since first love Marshall in 2023. Could all that change with the arrival of ‘Lewis’ ?
“Arthur’s new boyfriend I bet,” wrote one fan.
“I think this new guy will be Arthur boyfriend. He definitely has a lot of personality,” said another.
Bob’s grandson, TJ
However, others wondered whether the name ‘Lewis’ might be a red herring, and that we might have already met Bradley’s character… kind of. A prevailing theory suggests that he could be playing an all-grown-up TJ Woods, son of Dawn (not that one) and Terry.
If true, that would make him Bob’s grandson.
“If he is a grown-up child from Emmerdale’s past he could plausibly be playing TJ Woods – coming to live with his granddad Bob. Not a bad idea to build up Bob’s family a bit, now that Heath and Wendy are gone,” wrote one viewer on Reddit.
“My thoughts turned to TJ, I’d guess his character has family on the show and building up Bob’s family seems a good choice,” agreed another.
Bradley Riches could be playing Nicky Miligan, fans claim
Many have noticed a resemblance between Bradley and Caleb and Ruby’s son, Nicky. Nicky hasn’t been seen since leaving in 2024 with lover Suni, after just over a year on the soap.
With Nicky’s return being overdue in his family’s time of need, many have wondered whether the role might have been recast with Bradley.
“Recast Nicky I bet ya,” said one fan.
“He could be the new Nicky,” agreed another.
The name of the actor who played the original Nicky? None other than Lewis Cope. Coincidence, or a hint that there’s a new Nicky on the block?
Who do you think Bradley will be playing?
