Emmerdale star Bradley Riches has opened up about an incredibly difficult period in his life, revealing that he once tried to take his own life.
The 24-year-old actor, who viewers now know as Lewis Barton in the ITV soap, shared the deeply personal admission with his followers as he marked September Suicide Awareness Month.
Bradley first found widespread fame after joining Netflix hit Heartstopper in 2022, before going on to appear in Celebrity Big Brother and later joining the cast of Emmerdale.
But in a candid Instagram post, the actor explained that just two years before landing his breakthrough role, his life looked very different.
Bradley wrote: ‘I always get nervous talking about my experience and my life, but I want to share this. And hopefully don’t get scared and delete it. In 2020, I tried to end my life. At the time, I couldn’t see a life beyond that moment. I didn’t know who I was, or whether things could ever feel different.’
https://www.instagram.com/p/DcymgM2iA_5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Bradley then reflected on how much his life has changed in the six years since.
In another slide, the soap star listed some of the milestones he has reached, including writing a best-selling book centred around his experience of autism, winning awards and marrying the love of his life earlier this year.
Using his own experience to encourage anyone who might currently be struggling, Bradley continued: ‘There may be a moment where you genuinely can’t see a reason to stay. I know that feeling. But please, stay for the things you haven’t experienced yet.
‘You are loved. You are important. Your story is not finished. I’m so, so glad I stayed [white heart emoji]. September is Suicide Prevention Month (it is a month, but trying to stay is a whole year thing). If you’re struggling, please tell someone. You don’t have to carry it alone.’
Sharing something so personal clearly wasn’t an easy decision for the actor.
In the caption alongside the post, Bradley admitted that he was nervous about leaving the message online and was tempted to delete it almost immediately.
He told followers: ‘I will post this then two seconds delete it as I get scared. But I’m gonna post this and not look on my phone for a bit.
‘Love you all x’
However, Bradley was quickly met with messages of love and support from fans and friends.
One follower described him as ‘such an inspiration’, while another praised him for speaking publicly about a subject that can still be incredibly difficult to discuss.
They wrote: ‘Thank you for sharing, suicide is always perceived as taboo, but you never know who needed to see this today.’
His Emmerdale co-star Lisa Riley was also among those sending their support, commenting: ‘Love you so so so much.’
Bradley’s post comes during September, a month when organisations and campaigners around the world put an increased focus on suicide prevention and encouraging people to speak openly about their mental health.
And while awareness campaigns can help start conversations, as Bradley himself pointed out, supporting people who are struggling matters throughout the entire year.
His message also serves as a powerful reminder of how dramatically life can change.
Back in 2020, Bradley says he couldn’t imagine a future beyond the moment he was experiencing. Six years later, his life has included a successful acting career, becoming a published author, awards and marriage.
By sharing such a vulnerable part of his past, the Emmerdale actor is now hoping his experience might reach someone who needs to hear that things can change.
If you need support:
Samaritans are here to listen, day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit samaritans.org for more information.
Comment now
Comments
Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google
Add as preferred source