Emmerdale fans praise 'wonderful' lewis barton as new duo 'best part' of soap

ACTOR BRADLEY RICHES HAS BECOME A POPULAR ADDITION TO THE DALES SINCE HIS DEBUT 08:58, 22 May 2025 Emmerdale star Bradley Riches has been praised by fans since his debut this May,

particularly his relationship with on-screen brother Mike Parr as duo branded "best part" of the ITV soap. Actor Bradley made his debut on the Leeds-soap after rising to fame on

Netflix's hit series Heartstopper, which also landed him a place in the Celebrity Big Brother house where he finished in sixth place. He plays the role of Lewis Barton, son of Emma

Barton who was adopted as a young child and never knew his mother. After writing a letter that was received by Moira Dingle, Ross agreed to meet up with his half-brother but remained unsure

as to whether he should spills the beans on what Emma was really like. However, during recent episodes the duo have continued to bond and have already been praised by fans. It appears their

friendship extends off-screen too, as speaking to the _Manchester Evening News_ and other press, actor Mike Parr said: "I’m not just saying this because he’s here, I’m saying this

because he paid me! It’s been such a breath of fresh air to have Bradley here. "He reminds me so much of working with Verity [Rushworth] and how well we get on. It was an instant click.

He’s been such an important part of the show for cast morale in the building but also bringing a new generation of audience members into the show." Taking to X (formerly known as

Twitter), @bramwell_ashley wrote: "This is why Ross is my fave @MikeParrActor loving this duo Bradley Riches is just wonderful". Another viewer @maitra_sulagna added: "Best

part of @emmerdale atm Bradley looks amazing!!" as @penniless_poet echoed: "I'm loving Lewis - him and Ross make a great double act". As a recap, Lewis and Ross' mum

Emma was murdered by Moira back in 2017. Before this, it was revealed that Moira's son Adam Barton's biological father was actually James Barton, not John Barton as he'd been

led to believe. This revelation meant that Adam gained three siblings - Ross, Pete and Finn - whose mother was Emma. Article continues below After further drama ensued, Emma accidentally

shot her son Finn and later found herself at the Hotten Viaduct. In a shocking turn of events, it was later revealed that Moira had pushed the nurse to her death. Discussing what it's

like to be part of an iconic family in the Dales, Bradley added: "I feel like there's a stereotypical Barton boy, and I think I'm excited to be a part of that, but also

challenge what does it mean to be a Barton." EMMERDALE AIRS ON WEEKDAYS AT 7:30PM ON ITV1 AND IS AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON ITVX.