EMMERDALE newcomer Bradley Riches has hit out at trolls over the abuse he’s received since announcing he was joining the soap.
The actor – who will appear on screens from May in the ITV soap – was revealed to be joining the show this morning.
Emmerdale newcomer Bradley Riches has hit out at vile trolls[/caption]
However sadly the Hearstopper star, who is gay and has autism, has been sent vile homophobic and ableist messages by trolls.
Taking to Instagram stories to address it, Bradley said: “ Beyond excited to be joining Emmerdale! A dream come true.
“But let’s talk real for a second. Some of the comments and messages I’ve received are vile.
“Too many people are quick to judge me regarding my sexuality or being autistic, without thinking about the impact of their words.
“Before you speak, ask yourself: Do I really need to say this? Kindness costs nothing, but mean comments and hiding behind your screens says aLOT about you.
“But lucky for you I won’t be behind a screen… I will be on YOUR SCREEN! If you’re mad stay mad! See you soon x”
The actor – who is best known for playing James McEwan in the Netflix hit – will arrive in the village this summer as a mysterious relation to an existing villager.
A source said: “Bosses are keeping Bradley’s character’s identity a closely-guarded secret.
“He’s got a family connection to a major character in the village and he’s definitely going to set the cat amongst the pigeons when he arrives.”
Actor Bradley has begun filming and will be first seen on screen in May.
”I’m beyond excited to be joining Emmerdale!” he said.
“It’s a real bucket list moment for me, especially since it was my grandad’s favourite soap, I just know he’d be over the moon.
“Everyone has been so lovely and welcoming, and the village is even more amazing in real life.
“I absolutely love my character (though I can’t spill too much just yet!), and I’m just so grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store…”
Bradley played James in Netflix hit Heartstopper[/caption]
Emmerdale producer, Laura Shaw, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Bradley to the Emmerdale family.
“Bradley brings a wealth of talent and his warmth, wit and charisma makes him perfect for this new Emmerdale role.
“We have some wonderful stories for him to play and we can’t wait for the audience to see Bradley bring his new character bursting into life on screen.“
Soap’s most harrowing teen storylines
We take a look at other harrowing teen soap storylines from soaps Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.
Belle Dingle’s schizophrenia in Emmerdale – Belle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) traumatic journey in Emmerdale took a dark turn when, after accidentally killing her best friend Gemma at just 16, her mental health began to spiral.
The storyline, which saw Belle struggling with her grief and guilt, showcased her battle with hearing Gemma’s voice inside her head, leading to a dramatic decline in her well-being.
Hannah Ashworth’s anorexia in Hollyoaks – Viewers were horrified as they watched Hannah (Emma Rigby), a seemingly innocent teen, spiral into dangerous behavior, starving herself in an attempt to achieve what she thought was the ideal body.
As Hannah’s condition worsened, the storyline became more intense, culminating in her being hospitalised for two months as she fought for her life.
Bethany Platt’s grooming ordeal in Coronation Street – Vulnerable schoolgirl, played by Lucy Fallon, was at the centre of one of Corrie’s darkest storylines to date when she fell under the spell of her older boyfriend and sexual predator.
The controversial scenes saw Nathan groom and manipulate the 16-year-old before coercing her into sleeping with his friends, with one of them raping her.
Whitney Dean’s abuse from Tony in EastEnders – Since the age of 12, she had been in a twisted relationship with her stepmum Bianca’s boyfriend, Tony King. The predator had groomed young Whit (Shona McGarty), making her believe she was in love and planning to run away with him.
On her 16th birthday, the traumatised teen finally revealed the years of abuse to Bianca. Tony was swiftly sent to prison sentenced for 13 years.
After finding fame in Heartstopper, he went onto compete on ITV’s first Celebrity Big Brother series, coming fifth.
He also starred in BBC drama Wreck.
