Emmerdale actor Bradley Riches, known for playing Lewis Barton, has confirmed he is taking a temporary break from the ITV soap. The announcement has drawn an outpouring of support from fans.
Break Announced on Social Media
Riches, who joined the cast as Lewis Barton in May 2025, shared the news on his Instagram Story. Posting a photograph of his character hugging Kev, he wrote: "That's a wrap at @emmerdale for now! A little time off before heading straight into Pantoland! So excited to see what's ahead for Lewis in 2027. Feeling very lucky and grateful, as always. See you on your screens soon! Bradley x."
He also took to TikTok, posting a clip of himself dancing to Jamie Miller's hit Babydoll, with the caption: "That's me wrapped on @Emmerdale for a bit. I love my job so much! Wonder what's in store for Lewis. Thanks for all [the] support, love you all!!"
Fan Reactions
Fans quickly expressed their support in the comments, with some disappointed by the news. "Please don't go for very long, we need you in Emmerdale," one viewer wrote, while another added: "I hope you're not gone for too long, love Lewis."
A third remarked: "At least you're not leaving for good!" Someone else mirrored the feeling, stating: "Have a smashing time doing the pantomime! Can't wait to see what Lewis will be doing on Emmerdale in the new year!" Another admirer revealed: "I will miss you on Emmerdale."
Lewis Barton's Storyline
Lewis is the long-lost son of Emma Barton, played by Gillian Kearney, who first established contact with his elder brother, Ross, played by Michael Parr. It subsequently emerged that Kev Townsend, played by Chris Coghill, was Lewis's biological father. Despite numerous challenges, Lewis and Kev have built a strong relationship, with Kev even adopting his son's surname.
Lewis has also cultivated a heartwarming friendship with Nicola King, played by Nicola Wheeler, who remains in mourning following the loss of her husband, Jimmy, played by Nick Miles. Lewis subsequently embarked on a relationship with Vinny Dingle, played by Bradley Johnson, after Vinny separated from his wife, Gabby Thomas, played by Rosie Bentham. However, their romance was recently brought to an abrupt end when Vinny was handed a 10-year prison sentence for causing the collision that killed Jimmy and Dawn Fletcher, played by Olivia Bromley.
Pantomime Role and Screen Return
Riches is scheduled to appear as Peter Pan in the pantomime The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook at the Sunderland Empire from December 11 to January 3, 2027. The ensemble also features Miss Rory, Tom Whalley, Olivia Birchenough, Millie Readshaw, and Sophie Bishop.
Lewis made his most recent appearance in Emmerdale on Wednesday, November 4, when he declined to serve Sadie King, played by Patsy Kensit, in the café after she deceived Nicola by claiming she had been in a relationship with Jimmy prior to his death. Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
