Bradley Riches has addressed a slew of homophobic comments left on social media in the wake of a kiss shared between Emmerdale characters Lewis Barton and Vinny Dingle.

In what proved to be incredibly heartwarming scenes last week, fan-favourite Lewis (played by Bradley) share a kiss with Vinny (Bradley Johnson) after the two assisted in rescuing a herd of trapped sheep at Butlers Farm.

The moment received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans, with viewers branding the new couple ‘so adorable’, ‘wonderful’ and ‘so important’.

‘Not only is this queer representation, it’s also neurodivergent representation & I can’t wait to see them grow together!,’ wrote @lisascrisps on X, while @alwaysrobron added: ‘I can’t cope they’re so cute the way they’re so awkward and giddy around eachother’.

But amid all the love and support, there were sadly a number of homophobic comments too, which prompted star Bradley to speak out.

‘It’s 2026’, he pointed out on Instagram, sharing a number of the hateful comments he’d spotted. ‘We’re not asking for permission to exist on screen, to love openly, or to take up space in stories that reflect the real world.

‘We’re here. Get over it.’

Hear hear.

The Heartstopper star received support from his ITV soap family, including Vanessa Woodfield actress Michelle Hardwick, who wrote: ‘Yes Brad,’ with three heart emojis, while Vinny star Bradley Johnson added a heart.

Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd, meanwhile, branded Bradley’s message as ‘gorgeous’, while Colson Smith – who was on Celebrity Big Brother at the same time as Bradley – said: ‘Go bradddez go’.

Bradley previously addressed ‘vile’ comments he’d received last year prior to joining Emmerdale. ‘Beyond excited to be joining Emmerdale! A dream come true,’ he wrote at the time.

‘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.’

In terms of what’s coming up for Lewis, Bradley spoke to Metro last month, teasing a ‘curveball’ for his character.

‘I think later down the line, he’ll work out his relationship with Vinny, and there will be a curveball for Lewis, and it’s going to be dramatic. I’ll leave that to your imagination!

‘In Lewis form though, it’ll be quite comedic and light hearted, he never takes life too seriously.’