Emmerdale star Bradley Riches has publicly condemned a wave of homophobic trolling that emerged after a recent on-screen kiss between his character, Lewis Barton, and Vinny Dingle, portrayed by Bradley Johnson. The heartwarming scene, which aired last week, depicted the two characters sharing a tender moment after collaborating to rescue a herd of trapped sheep at Butlers Farm, garnering widespread praise from viewers for its authentic representation.
Overwhelming Fan Support Amidst Backlash
The kiss between Lewis and Vinny was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from Emmerdale fans, who flooded social media with adoration. Many viewers celebrated the moment as a significant step forward for queer and neurodivergent representation in mainstream television. Fans described the new couple as "adorable," "wonderful," and "important," highlighting the scene's impact on promoting inclusivity.
On platform X, user @lisascrisps expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Not only is this queer representation, it's also neurodivergent representation & I can't wait to see them grow together!" Similarly, @alwaysrobron added, "I can't cope they're so cute the way they're so awkward and giddy around each other." These comments reflect a broader appreciation for the show's efforts to depict diverse relationships authentically.
Bradley Riches' Firm Response to Hate
Despite the outpouring of support, Bradley Riches faced a slew of homophobic comments on social media, prompting him to speak out forcefully. Taking to Instagram, the actor shared examples of the hateful messages and delivered a powerful message: "It's 2026. We're not asking for permission to exist on screen, to love openly, or to take up space in stories that reflect the real world. We're here. Get over it."
His statement resonated widely, earning support from colleagues within the ITV soap community. Vanessa Woodfield actress Michelle Hardwick responded with "Yes Brad" accompanied by heart emojis, while Bradley Johnson, who plays Vinny, added a heart symbol. Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd praised Bradley's message as "gorgeous," and Colson Smith, a fellow Celebrity Big Brother alum, cheered him on with "Go bradddez go."
Previous Encounters with Online Abuse
This is not the first time Bradley Riches has addressed toxic behavior online. Prior to joining Emmerdale, he called out "vile" comments related to his sexuality and autism, urging kindness and reflection from critics. In a past statement, he emphasized, "Too many people are quick to judge me regarding my sexuality or being autistic, without thinking about the impact of their words. Before you speak, ask yourself: Do I really need to say this? Kindness costs nothing, but mean comments and hiding behind your screens says a lot about you."
Future Developments for Lewis Barton
Looking ahead, Bradley Riches has teased exciting plot developments for his character, Lewis Barton. In a recent interview, he hinted at a "curveball" that will test Lewis's relationship with Vinny, promising dramatic yet lighthearted moments. "I think later down the line, he'll work out his relationship with Vinny, and there will be a curveball for Lewis, and it's going to be dramatic. I'll leave that to your imagination! In Lewis form though, it'll be quite comedic and light hearted, he never takes life too seriously," Riches explained.
Emmerdale continues to air weeknights at 8:00pm on ITV1, with episodes available for streaming from 7am on ITVX and YouTube. The show remains committed to telling diverse stories that reflect real-world experiences, despite facing occasional backlash from online trolls.
