EMMERDALE’s newest cast member was BANNED from mentioning Netflix stardom by bosses as he raged ‘what is the point?’
Heartstopper and Celebrity Big Brother star Bradley Riches has signed up for a major new role.
The actor is best known for playing James McEwan in Heartstopper[/caption]
Bradley also competed in Celebrity Big Brother last year[/caption]
Best known for playing James McEwan in the Netflix hit – the actor will arrive in the village this summer as a mysterious relation to an existing character.
Taking to X, the ITV soap posted a short video teasing the 23-year-old’s imminent arrival.
Bradley says in the clip: “Hello, my name is Bradley Riches and you may recognise me from Celebrity Big Brother and other shows that are not on ITV.
“But I’m so excited to announce that later this year, I will be in Emmerdale!
“And the producers have let me give you a little insider scoop about my character.”
The star began: “So, I could tell you about my character that his name is Lewis…”.
As part of the humour, Bradley was soon cut off by someone off-camera saying “No!”
The actor then said: “Okay. But I can tell you he is actually related to the…”
However, the same off-screen person again stopped Bradley mid-sentence.
The lighthearted clip saw him try again, only to be cut off for a third time.
Bradley asked: “What is the point of this video? I thought I was meant to give an insider scoop?
“Well, I guess you’ll just have to wait and find out and watch my big entrance coming later this year on Emmerdale.”
Bradley has begun filming his scenes and will be appearing on-screen from May.
A source said: “Bosses are keeping Bradley’s character’s identity a closely-guarded secret.
“He’s got a family connection to a major character in the village and he’s definitely going to set the cat amongst the pigeons when he arrives.”
The actor said of his new role: ”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…”
Emmerdale producer, Laura Shaw, added: “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.“
In Heartstopper, the star’s character James McEwan has featured in all three seasons.
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He had a starring role in the show’s second season, with supporting appearances in the first and third.
Bradley also competed in ITV‘s first edition of Celebrity Big Brother last year, placing sixth.
He finished behind David Potts, Nikita Kuzmin, Colson Smith, Louis Walsh and Fern Britton.
Emmerdale continues on ITV1 and ITVX.
