Emmerdale star Bradley Riches has revealed that he had to fake shock when ITV producers announced a major storyline involving his co-star Chris Coghill. The 24-year-old actor admitted he was secretly tipped off about Coghill's return as Kev Townsend months before the official reveal.
Secret Message from Co-Star
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Riches explained that Coghill messaged him in February, hinting at his possible return. "He secretly messaged me in February, and he was like, 'I think I might be coming back... don't obviously tell anyone'," Riches said. "I was like, 'no, I'll keep it to myself.'"
The actor then had to act surprised during a meeting with producers before his wedding. "Before I went to get married, I had a meeting with the producers, and they were like, 'so Chris is coming back', and I went, 'no way!' Like, it's a surprise, but I knew he was coming back anyway," he added.
Storyline Details
Chris Coghill's character Kev Townsend returns to the Dales after a dramatic kidnapping plot. Bradley's character Lewis is taken by Kev's ex, Kylie, who demands the return of a stolen diamond. Kev agrees to hand over the jewel to save Lewis, and then reveals the shock truth that he is Lewis's biological father.
Riches praised Coghill's acting skills, saying: "That man, he's one of those people who, you watch him do scenes and stuff like that, and he is a guy who just goes with instincts as an actor. That is what a true actor is, being honest, being real. So I've learnt a lot from him, to trust my instincts as a human as well. So I've learnt a lot from him, but yeah, he's a legend."
Break from the Soap
Bradley is currently on a break from Emmerdale after marrying Scott Johnston in April. The couple has plans to travel during his time off. "We've definitely got some holidays booked, but yeah, this year's been very busy, so a bit more chilling, a bit more sun is definitely what I want," Riches said.
He made these comments at the Peugeot Attitude Pride Awards Europe at The Chancery Rosewood hotel in Mayfair, London. Riches emphasized the importance of such events for the LGBTQ+ community: "They mean so much. It's a celebration, isn't it? Of identity, sexuality, gender. It's a celebration of the queer community, so it means absolutely everything. And obviously all the trailblazers who are doing a lot for our community as well, and also the allies who are doing a lot for our community."
