Actor Bradley Riches recently sat down with Graeme Smith, host of the award-winning podcast OUTCAST UK to share a behind-the-scenes look at his journey and latest projects.
This comes as season three of Heartstopper launches on Netflix, with Riches opening up about his experiences, including his unexpected path to the TV show, his role on Celebrity Big Brother, and his budding radio and podcasting career with Virgin Radio Pride.
Reflecting on his entry into the acting world, Riches recalled: “My first audition for Heartstopper was a big moment for me – I’d applied during my first year of drama school, and I didn’t expect anything to come of it.”
After being cast in a smaller role for the first season, he watched in awe as the show became a worldwide phenomenon.
He shared how surreal it was to see the fan response: “People would make TikToks about my one line, theorising about what it meant for the next season. That’s when I realized just how big the Heartstopper community really is,” he says.
On his radio journey with Authentically Me, Riches shared that radio felt like a natural extension of his creativity.
“I’ve always wanted to work in media, and Virgin Radio Pride gave me a chance to showcase a different side of myself,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with listeners and explore LGBTQ+ topics, adding: “Radio lets me connect on a more personal level – it’s really about creating a space for people to feel seen and understood.”
The conversation turned to Celebrity Big Brother, where Riches discussed his experience of representing neurodiversity and normalising conversations around mental health.
“I’m so proud of the impact I had,” he said, reflecting on the connections he made with viewers. “When people tell me that seeing me on TV helped them feel less alone, that’s worth more than anything.”
Riches also hinted at his hopes for the future, including another potential reality TV appearance, saying: “We joked about Strictly Come Dancing, and I’d love the chance to bring a bit more diversity to that show. I think it’s time for more LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse representation in mainstream media.”
As they wrapped up, Smith asked Riches about his goals for the coming year. Riches shared his excitement for an upcoming Amazon series and a New York concert performance, expressing a mix of ambition and gratitude.
“It’s been a wild year,” he said with a laugh. “I’m so lucky to have these opportunities, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!”
Since its launch, OUTCAST UK hosted by Graeme Smith has grown into a powerful voice in LGBTQ+ media, taking home the gold for Best New Podcast at the British Podcast Awards and earning an ARIA nomination.
The latest episode with Bradley Riches is available now on podcast platforms including Apple and Spotify.
