Bradley Riches, who plays Lewis Barton in ITV's Emmerdale, has revealed that his character is set for a romantic storyline with housemate Vinny Dingle. The actor, known for his role in Netflix's Heartstopper, joined the soap in 2025 as the long-lost brother of Ross Barton.
In upcoming episodes, Lewis and Vinny, played by Bradley Johnson, will navigate uncharted romantic territory. Both characters have never had a proper boyfriend before, leading to awkwardness as they grapple with their feelings. Riches described the situation as a 'tug-of-war', with unspoken emotions threatening their friendship.
Riches, who is autistic like his character, emphasised the importance of authentic representation. He noted that Lewis has always focused on his special interests rather than seeking romance, making Vinny a potential first boyfriend. The actor predicted that once they overcome initial miscommunication, they could become a strong couple.
The storyline follows Vinny's exploration of his sexuality after his marriage to Gabby Thomas ended. Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) and Ross will pick up on the chemistry between the two residents, setting the stage for a slow-burn romance.
