A New Chapter in Advocacy
Actor Bradley Riches, best known for his role as Lewis Barton in the ITV series Emmerdale, has officially released his debut book, Autistically Me: How to Understand and Celebrate Our Autistic Minds. The book marks a significant transition for Riches, moving from his role as the show’s first neurodivergent character to becoming an active voice in neurodiversity advocacy.
Bridging Screen and Reality
Riches describes the publication as a “celebratory toolkit” rather than a traditional memoir. By blending personal narrative with actionable advice, he aims to reach individuals navigating autism at various stages of life. This project builds upon the visibility he established on screen, where his role as Lewis Barton provided mainstream representation for the neurodivergent community.
The release has garnered support from peers across the industry, including Coronation Street actress Vicky Myers, who publicly endorsed the book on social media. The camaraderie among ITV soap stars has served to amplify the reach of the book beyond the actor’s immediate fan base.
The Path to Representation
Reflecting on his career, Riches noted that his role in Emmerdale was not a foregone conclusion. He initially auditioned for a different character, Dylan, but scheduling conflicts nearly sidelined his opportunity. After a successful chemistry test with Mike Parr, he secured the role of Lewis Barton—a character he feels is a much more natural fit for his own personality. This journey from a near-miss audition to a landmark role now informs the authentic tone he brings to his writing, bridging the gap between entertainment and real-world advocacy.