In a powerful and deeply personal moment, Emmerdale actor Bradley Riches has spoken out after a wave of comments from viewers calling his character, Lewis Barton, “annoying.” But rather than lashing out or ignoring the criticism, Bradley took a stand — using his own experience as an autistic actor to open up an important conversation about autistic masking, empathy, and the importance of authentic representation on screen.

Since his debut earlier this year, Lewis Barton has quickly become one of the most talked-about new faces in the village — not for scandal, but for the quiet, human depth he brings to Emmerdale’s everyday drama. Introduced as Ross Barton’s (Michael Parr) long-lost brother, Lewis arrived with an open heart and a calm, quirky charm that instantly set him apart. It wasn’t long before viewers learned that Lewis is autistic, a detail handled with care by both the writers and Bradley himself, who is also on the autism spectrum.

Behind the Café Counter — and Behind the Mask

Lewis’s early episodes revealed a young man eager to find his place in a bustling community. After buying Brenda Walker’s (Lesley Dunlop) shares in the café, Lewis threw himself into work. But things took a stressful turn when the café got busy — the noise, chatter, and overlapping demands became overwhelming. Instead of snapping or walking out, Lewis quietly retreated to the back room, put on his headphones, and began sorting supplies — his own way of calming his mind and regaining control.

When Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) discovered what he was doing, she responded not with judgment, but understanding. It was a tender, eye-opening moment that showed Emmerdale’s growing sensitivity toward neurodivergent characters. But not all viewers caught the nuance.

Some fans took to social media complaining that Lewis’s little laughs, pauses, and conversational quirks made him “awkward” or even “annoying.” Others didn’t understand why he often giggled between sentences or filled silences with nervous laughter.

That’s when Bradley stepped in.

Taking to Instagram, the actor wrote a heartfelt message that has since gone viral. He explained that those small behaviors — the giggles, the laughter, the attempts to keep a smile — are not random. They’re part of what’s known as autistic masking.

“Some people have said the little laughs or giggles my character Lewis does in scenes are ‘annoying’ or they don’t get it… well wonder no more,” Bradley began. “Because the fact is: that’s autistic masking.”

He went on to describe how masking works — how many autistic people learn to hide or manage their natural behaviors to blend in and meet social expectations. In busy environments like cafés or customer service jobs, autistic individuals often “put on a show” to appear approachable, safe, and socially acceptable.

“That little laugh isn’t random,” he continued. “It’s a way to seem warm, to soften interactions, or to fill the gap when you’re unsure what reaction is expected. It can also help manage anxiety in the moment — a learned habit to keep the social energy going.”

Bradley’s post struck a chord. Fans flooded the comments with praise, saying his words helped them understand not only Lewis’s actions but also the lived experience of autistic people. One fan shared, “You joining the show has coincided with my own late diagnosis at 38. Seeing Lewis helps me feel seen — and it must mean even more for young people watching.” Another added, “You’re raising awareness in such a beautiful way. You’re helping people who might not even realize why they do these things.”

Bradley ended his message with an emotional reminder:

“It’s not fake — it’s survival. But it’s exhausting, which is why understanding and acceptance matter so much.”

Brothers Divided: Ross and Lewis’s Explosive Storyline

While Bradley was enlightening fans off-screen, things on-screen have taken a dramatic and dangerous turn between Ross and Lewis Barton.

At first, Ross didn’t even want to meet his long-lost brother. Still haunted by the Barton family’s dark history — particularly the death of their mother, Emma — Ross had built walls around himself. But Lewis’s persistence and sincerity eventually wore him down. Their first meeting was awkward but heartfelt, and for a brief moment, it looked like the Barton brothers might finally find peace.

That peace didn’t last long.

Lewis’s curiosity about their family soon stirred up painful memories. He kept asking questions about Emma — questions Ross wasn’t ready to answer. In an effort to protect Moira Dingle, Ross lied to Lewis about what really happened to their mother.

Then came the discovery that would set off a chain of betrayal and chaos. Ross found out that Lewis had been growing cannabis plants in his loft — not for profit, but for medicinal use. Ross, desperate for money to help Moira pay her farm fines, teamed up with Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) to steal from his own brother.

But Lewis isn’t as naïve as they thought. Hidden cameras in his loft caught Mackenzie in the act. Furious and heartbroken, Lewis locked Mack inside and demanded answers from Ross. In a tense confrontation, he forced Ross to come clean — and in doing so, uncovered the horrifying truth about Emma’s death.

For Lewis, it was a moment of shattering realization: his beloved new brother had lied to him, and his mother’s killer — Moira — was living freely in the same village.

Lewis considered going to the police, but Ross stopped him with a cruel threat — if Lewis reported Moira, Ross would expose his illegal cannabis operation. It was an impossible choice, and one that left both brothers emotionally destroyed.

Café Calm No More — The Aftermath

In the wake of the revelation, Lewis moved in with Ross and Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson), creating one of the most unpredictable new living arrangements in Emmerdale. Between Vinny’s recent heartbreak after his marriage with Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) and Ross’s short temper, their home has become a pressure cooker of unresolved tension.

Lewis, ever the peacekeeper, tries to hold things together. But as he struggles to balance his job at the café, his strained relationship with Ross, and the constant judgment from some villagers, his composure begins to crack.

The once comforting café — a place where he found solace and structure — is now a symbol of mounting chaos. The laughter that once masked his anxiety now feels hollow, and the brotherly bond he longed for has turned into a minefield of guilt, secrets, and betrayal.

Still, through all the turmoil, Bradley Riches’s portrayal continues to win hearts. His courage in addressing autistic masking both on and off-screen is redefining what authentic representation looks like on television. He’s not just acting — he’s educating, inspiring, and opening doors for countless viewers who finally feel seen.

A Message That Matters

As Emmerdale continues to weave Lewis’s journey into the larger village narrative, it’s clear his story is about more than just family drama or personal struggle. It’s a reminder of compassion, awareness, and the quiet resilience of those who navigate the world a little differently.

Bradley Riches has given Lewis Barton something rare — a soul-deep authenticity that transcends fiction. And as the Barton brothers’ fragile bond threatens to explode once more, fans are left wondering: can truth and forgiveness ever coexist in a family built on lies?

One thing’s for sure — whether in the café, the Barton household, or the wider Emmerdale village, things are about to get a whole lot messier.