EastEnders actor Lewis Bridgeman, who plays Barney Mitchell, has an IQ above 132 and is diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia. The 19-year-old from Maldon, Essex, passed the Mensa International acceptance test at age 12.
Barney Mitchell's Dark Secret
In recent EastEnders episodes, Barney and other Walford teenagers attacked Joel Marshall (Max Murray) after he returned from prison. Joel was found unconscious with a head injury. The group later gathered in The Arches, where Barney's brother Harry (Elijah Holloway) produced a hammer, suggesting Barney may be involved.
Barney arrived in Walford in June 2024 with his father Teddy (Roland Manookian) and brother Harry. It was revealed Barney is the product of an affair between his mother Nicola (Laura Doddington) and Zack Hudson (James Farrar).
Lewis Bridgeman's Background
Bridgeman attended Plume School and joined the National Youth Theatre in 2021. He has appeared in theatre productions including The Wind in the Willows and Goodnight, Mister Tom. He achieved four grade 9s and studied drama at A-Level while attending Chelmsford Drama Centre.
His mother Jayne Bridgeman told the Maldon Standard in 2021: "Lewis has wanted to become an actor since the age of six. He adores everything to do with theatre and film. I'm very proud, I love the theatre, and we geek out together on Star Wars and Marvel things."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
