Emmerdale‘s Bradley Riches has explained the show’s approach to his groundbreaking new role.

The Heartstopper star arrived in the Dales in Thursday’s episode, introducing himself as Ross Barton’s long-lost half-brother Lewis. Like Riches, Lewis is autistic and has become the soap’s first ever neurodivergent character.

Appearing on Lorraine, Riches described his historic new role as “an absolute honour”, adding that he is “very, very grateful to be a part of it”.

“Obviously being a neurodivergent person myself, I’ve always wanted to tell stories of autistic people, and to be able to do that on such a big show that has so much history is really, really amazing,” he told guest host Christine Lampard.

The actor went on to share details of the collaborative efforts involved in shaping the character, including open discussions with the Emmerdale team about how to approach or explain various issues.

“It’s all about having conversations, that’s all representation is. Seeing parts of yourself on TV, feeling seen, feeling represented,” he explained.

“In a way, to be having those kinds of conversations even behind the screens – not even just telling the stories on the screens, behind the screens – it’s moving in the right direction with representation with the neurodivergent community.”

Riches continued: “I’m very happy that the team have asked me like ‘how would Bradley say this?’ and like saying he’s autistic, and ‘how would Lewis say this?’

“It’s a massive community, so many different people within the community and I just want to do everyone justice who’s within that community, as well as doing myself justice as well.”