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Star of massive Netflix series set for Celebrity Big Brother – after signing huge deal
THE ITV reality show's latest signing received a life-changing diagnosis when he was just nine years old
CELEBRITY Big Brother has signed a star from the number one hit Netflix series, Heartstopper.
Actor Bradley Riches plays sweet James McEwan in the global smash, which follows a group of LGBTQ+ school kids as they navigate life and love.
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Bradley, 24, who is both openly gay and autistic, hopes signing up for a show will help with representation.
A source told The Sun: "Brad really wants to fly the flag for autistic, queer people on a huge mainstream show like Celebrity Big Brother.
"He was diagnosed with autism when he was nine and is passionate about being an advocate for his community.
"He's keen to show the world that being neurodiverse isn't something that holds you back, it's a superpower."
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ITV bosses are also said to be thrilled to have landed someone from a show that is such a phenomenon with younger viewers.
"Heartstopper is massive with Gen Z, which is a lucrative demographic that traditional channels like ITV have struggled to hook in in the past.
What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incurable, lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.
It affects around one in 100 people in the UK and is three to four times more common in boys than in girls.
Many people with ASD find it hard to understand other people's feelings and emotions, and they may have difficulty holding conversations.
When they are young, their language development may take longer and they can struggle to use facial expressions, using gestures to communicate instead.
They may also find it hard to connect with other people and to hold eye contact with unfamiliar individuals.
Many children with ASD like to follow a routine, and changes to this can cause distress.
High functioning autism is an informal term some people use to describe those on the autism spectrum disorder.
"They're hopeful that Bradley will bring the show's enormous fanbase with him and open Celebrity Big Brother up to a whole new audience."
The Sun has contacted an ITV spokesperson for comment.
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Bradley had a blink-and-you'll-miss-it role in the first season of the series, but played a larger part in the second run.
His character developed a connection with bookworm Isaac Henderson (Tobie Donovan), who struggled to deal with the relationship in the wake of him coming to terms with his asexuality.
Bradley said after landing the role: "Acting is an escapism for me. I feel free and understood when playing characters when, most of the time, I felt misunderstood as Bradley.
"I am so happy that I can show autistic people that they aren’t alone and that they aren’t invisible – they are beautiful and magical."
Heartstopper has made international stars of its young cast, especially the show's two leads Kit Connor and Joe Locke, who play boyfriends Nick and Charlie.
The pair are regularly seen on the front rows of fashion shows and have graced multiple magazine covers.
The show is based on a series of graphic novels by creator Alice Oseman and a third season wrapped filming in December.
Now his commitments on Heartstopper are in the can for the time being, Bradley can focus on his first brush with reality TV fame.
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He will be joined in the house by a star-studded line-up that is set to include X Factor judges Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne, Love Island legend Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu , TV host Fern Britton and Corrie actor Colson Smith.
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Also believed to be in the mix are Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith, chef Levi Roots, Towie star Chloe Brockett and Real Housewives of Cheshire favourite Lauren Simon.
Celebrity Big Brother: The Live Launch airs Monday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX
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