Heartstopper’s Bradley Riches shares grateful post as he reveals he tried to end his life
Bradley Riches (Image: Getty Images)
Bradley Riches has revealed he tried to end his life in 2020, sharing a message for Suicide Awareness Month urging anyone who is struggling to tell someone and stay.
In the post, shared on 2 September, the Heartstopper and Emmerdale actor said he is “always” nervous talking publicly about his experiences. “But I want to share this,” he wrote. “And hopefully don’t get scared and delete it.”
Riches said that, at the time, he “couldn’t see a life beyond that moment”. He added: “I didn’t know who I was, or whether things could ever feel different.”
He wrote that he keeps a list of the things he has experienced that he would not have experienced had he “given up that day”.
Riches said the list includes graduating, spending six more Christmases with his family, and watching The Devil Wears Prada 2. He also wrote about joining Emmerdale, describing it as a dream, as well as entering the Celebrity Big Brother house and writing a bestselling book.
Of course, there was also plenty of love on his list, as he mentioned his recent wedding to husband Scott.
Riches ended with a direct message to anyone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. “There may be a moment where you genuinely can’t see a reason to stay,” he wrote. “I know that feeling. But please, stay for the things you haven’t experienced yet.”
He added: “You are loved. You are important. Your story is not finished. I’m so, so glad I stayed… If you’re struggling, please tell someone. You don’t have to carry it alone.”
Riches’ work and advocacy
Riches rose to wider attention through TV work including Netflix’s Heartstopper and ITV’s Emmerdale.
He was diagnosed with autism at nine and has spoken publicly about neurodiversity and representation, including as an Autistica ambassador, while his role as Lewis Barton in Emmerdale marked the soap’s first neurodivergent character.
He has also appeared in reality TV, including Celebrity Big Brother, and has spoken out to challenge misinformation about autism.
Readers affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact Samaritans free on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.
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