Emmerdale star Bradley Riches takes break for pantomime role

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 16:09 · Archive

Bradley Riches is leaving Emmerdale temporarily to play Peter Pan in a pantomime at the Sunderland Empire.

Bradley Riches has confirmed he is taking a break from Emmerdale to star in a pantomime production. The 24-year-old actor will play Peter Pan at the Sunderland Empire during the festive period, but he reassured fans that his character Lewis Barton is only taking a temporary break rather than leaving the soap permanently.

Riches joined the cast of the ITV soap in May 2025. His character, Lewis Barton, was introduced as the long-lost son of Emma Barton. It later emerged on the show that Kev Townsend was Lewis's biological father. The two characters worked through challenges to build a strong relationship, with Kev eventually adopting his son's surname. Lewis also developed a friendship with Nicola King on the programme.

The actor announced his pantomime role on Instagram. He said: 'That's a wrap at Emmerdale for now! A little time off before heading to pantoland. So excited for what's ahead for Lewis in 2027. Feeling very lucky and grateful, as always.'

Riches has appeared in other television roles before joining Emmerdale. He featured in Netflix's Heartstopper in 2023, playing James McEwan, and took part in the 2024 series of Celebrity Big Brother alongside Love Island's Ekin-Su and Coronation Street's Colson Smith.

How it is being reported

• Emmerdale star confirms exit from ITV soap but promises to return in the futureBradley Riches has confirmed he will be leaving Emmerdale for the festive period but will return to play Lewis Barton in the new year.Romsey Advertiser · 6 Nov, 15:26
• Emmerdale star confirms exit from ITV soap but promises to return in the futureBradley Riches has confirmed he will be leaving Emmerdale for the festive period but will return to play Lewis Barton in the new year.Basingstoke Gazette · 6 Nov, 15:26
• Emmerdale star confirms exit from ITV soap but promises to return in the futureBradley Riches has confirmed he will be leaving Emmerdale for the festive period but will return to play Lewis Barton in the new year.Andover Advertiser · 6 Nov, 15:26

In this story: Bradley Riches · Lewis Barton · Emma Barton · Kev Townsend · Emmerdale · Sunderland Empire

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