In a significant development for fans of British soap operas, Netflix star Bradley Riches is set to join the cast of the iconic ITV soap, Emmerdale, as a new regular character. Known primarily for his role as James McEwan in Netflix's Heartstopper, Riches has expressed his excitement about the opportunity, marking it as a bucket list moment, especially since Emmerdale was his grandad's favorite soap.
Riches, 23, has already started filming his scenes in the picturesque Dales and is expected to make his grand debut in May 2025. The announcement was made on March 19, 2025, adding to the intense anticipation surrounding his character, details of which have been kept tightly under wraps by ITV. "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…" Riches shared in a statement.
This isn’t Riches’ first encounter with television fame; he previously made waves in the reality show realm when he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2024, where he finished in sixth place, captivating viewers alongside other notable participants. His newfound fame continues to grow as he steps into this leading role in Emmerdale, which is known for its engaging storylines and beloved characters.
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw has praised Riches, stating, "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Bradley to the Emmerdale family. 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." This enthusiastic endorsement highlights the network's commitment to delivering engaging content as Riches joins the already talented ensemble.
Fans of Emmerdale can expect to see Riches in a compelling storyline woven into the fabric of the Dales, where drama unfolds on a weekly basis. His character is described as a mysterious new addition with family ties to an existing character, a twist that is sure to pique viewer’s curiosity. Although specific details regarding his role remain undisclosed for the moment, further announcements are anticipated soon, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Riches’ addition to the Emmerdale cast comes at a time when the show continues to evolve and engage a diverse audience, contributing to the rich tapestry of storytelling that has made it a staple in British television. With his previous acting experience and a burgeoning fan base from his role in Heartstopper, anticipation is high for how Bradly will portray his new character. This seamless transition from a Netflix hit to a cherished British soap will showcase his breadth as an actor.
As Emmerdale prepares for its new direction, Riches has established himself as a rising star to watch. His passion for the role, combined with the soap's rich history, may cultivate another memorable chapter in the show's legacy. Viewers looking for relatable characters and heartfelt narratives can look forward to Riches’ debut and the various twists his character is set to introduce.
Broadcasting weeknights at 7:30 PM on ITV1, Emmerdale can also be streamed for fans eager to catch every episode as it airs or on-demand via ITVX. With a mix of suspense, romance, and drama, it promises to maintain its status as a must-watch series.
The series, which has captivated audiences for over five decades, continues to provide compelling content year after year. Bradley Riches stepping into this pivotal role symbolizes not just the personal accomplishment for the actor but also an exciting new chapter for the beloved soap, keeping its narrative fresh and engaging as it embraces young talent.
As audiences await his debut in May, one thing is certain: the addition of Bradley Riches is bound to bring a spark to the show, prompting fans old and new to tune in and see the unforeseen developments that unravel in the life of his mysterious new character.
