If you’ve watched Netflix’s Heartstopper, you might remember a quiet, kind character named James McEwan. That actor, Bradley Riches, has since become one of the most visible autistic actors on British television. Here’s how he went from a walk-on part to leading representation on two major shows and writing a best-selling memoir.

Heartstopper role: James McEwan · Emmerdale role: Lewis Barton · Book: Autistically Me

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear

Exact height and relationship status remain unconfirmed.

3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Building autism advocacy through Autistica ambassador role (Attitude)

Who is Bradley Riches in Heartstopper?

Bradley Riches plays James McEwan, a classmate of the main characters in Netflix’s Heartstopper. He first appeared in a walk-on part in season 1 and was asked back for a larger role in season 2 (BBC News).

  • The Heartstopper production has prioritised authentic casting, with many LGBTQ+ actors in key roles (BBC News).
Why this matters

Casting an autistic actor in a queer role on a mainstream Netflix show sends a powerful signal to broadcasters: inclusive representation isn’t a niche.

The implication: inclusive casting choices can reinforce a show’s broader commitment to authentic representation.

Who was Bradley Riches’ character in Emmerdale?

In May 2025, Bradley Riches joined the cast of ITV soap Emmerdale as Lewis Barton. The character is described as the long-lost half-brother of Ross Barton and is the soap’s first neurodivergent character (The Independent). Riches said he was “beyond excited” to bring the role to life and stressed the importance of playing an autistic character authentically (The Independent).

Who is the autistic character in Emmerdale?

  • Lewis Barton is Emmerdale’s first autistic character, written as neurodivergent from his introduction (The Independent).
  • The role is played by an autistic actor, a move praised by disability campaigners (Attitude).

How old is Lewis Barton in Emmerdale?

The available sources do not give a confirmed age for the character.

Bottom line: Bradley Riches’ role in Emmerdale marks a milestone for neurodivergent representation on British daytime television. For autistic viewers, seeing a character who shares their identity played by an actor who understands it firsthand is a shift from tokenism to genuine inclusion.

The takeaway: authentic casting and character writing are both needed for meaningful representation.

As of the latest publicly available information, Bradley Riches has not confirmed a romantic relationship.

Bradley Riches is the grandson of Sharon Osbourne, the television personality and former X Factor judge (The Mirror).

  • 2022 — Heartstopper season 1 released, Riches debuts as James McEwan (BBC News).
  • 2024 — Appears on Celebrity Big Brother UK (BBC News).
  • 2025 — Joins cast of Emmerdale as Lewis Barton (The Independent).
  • 2025 — Publishes book Autistically Me (Penguin Books New Zealand).
  • 2026 (reported) — Autistically Me becomes a Sunday Times bestseller (Farmers Journal).
  • Bradley Riches played James McEwan in Heartstopper (BBC News)
  • He played Lewis Barton in Emmerdale (The Independent)
  • He is the grandson of Sharon Osbourne (The Mirror)
  • He wrote a book titled Autistically Me (Penguin Books New Zealand)

“I’m beyond excited to join the Emmerdale family and bring Lewis to life.

Bradley Riches, speaking to The Independent

For young autistic people watching, Bradley Riches’ visibility across Heartstopper, Emmerdale, and his book Autistically Me sends a clear message: they can see themselves on screen and on the page.

How tall is Bradley Riches?

His exact height has not been publicly confirmed by any official source.

What is Bradley Riches’ book Autistically Me about?

The book is a memoir and guide with the subtitle “How to understand and celebrate our unique minds”.

How did Bradley Riches become famous?

He gained recognition for his role as James McEwan in Netflix’s Heartstopper (2022).