Emmerdale stars to appear at special event – here’s how to get tickets
Two familiar faces from ITV’s Emmerdale are set to step out of the Dales and into the spotlight this summer, as they join a special fan event in Leeds city centre celebrating storytelling, resilience, and representation.
A Rare Chance for Fans to Meet Emmerdale Stars Up Close
Emmerdale viewers will soon have the opportunity to see two well-loved soap personalities in an entirely different setting, as a special live event featuring Bradley Riches and Lisa Riley comes to Leeds.
The event, taking place on Friday, June 12, will be held at the Waterstones store on Albion Street in Leeds city centre, offering fans a unique mix of conversation, personal insight, and behind-the-scenes reflection from one of the show’s rising stars.
For many fans, it’s not just another promotional appearance—it’s a chance to connect with the people behind the characters who have become part of everyday life in the fictional Yorkshire village.
Bradley Riches Steps Into the Spotlight Beyond Emmerdale
Best known to Emmerdale audiences for playing Lewis Barton, Bradley Riches has quickly become a recognisable face within the ITV soap universe. His character has been part of the ongoing Barton family narrative, a storyline often marked by emotional tension, loyalty struggles, and the complex dynamics that define one of the show’s most enduring families.
But at this upcoming event, Bradley will be stepping away from scripted drama and instead sharing his real-life journey in a deeply personal conversation centred around his new book, Autistically Me.
The book explores Bradley’s lived experience as an autistic individual navigating childhood, education, identity, and ultimately the entertainment industry. It aims to offer support and understanding to readers who may be autistic themselves—or those who are only beginning to explore what neurodiversity means.
Promotional material for the book highlights its core message: embracing difference rather than masking it.
“Are you autistic, or think you might be? Are you ready to not only understand but embrace your unique mind?” the description reads, positioning the book as both guide and encouragement for self-acceptance.
From Silence to Spotlight: A Personal Journey of Growth
Bradley’s story, as shared through his book, is particularly powerful. He has spoken openly about how he spoke very little until the age of 10, only beginning to find his voice after joining a theatre school—a turning point that ultimately led him towards acting.
From that moment, his path shifted dramatically. Over the next decade, he transitioned from a quiet child struggling to communicate into a professional actor and advocate, using his platform to raise awareness around autism and neurodivergence.
Today, Bradley is not only recognised for his acting work but also for his role as a voice for inclusion within the entertainment industry.
This transformation is expected to form a key part of the discussion during the Leeds event, where fans will hear first-hand how his personal experiences have shaped both his career and his outlook on life.
A Conversation with Lisa Riley
Adding further excitement to the event is the appearance of Lisa Riley, one of Emmerdale’s most iconic and long-standing stars. Known for her portrayal of Mandy Dingle—a character who has been at the heart of some of the soap’s most emotional, chaotic, and heartfelt storylines—Lisa will join Bradley on stage for a 45-minute live conversation.
Their discussion is expected to blend humour, reflection, and insight into life on and off the Emmerdale set, before opening the floor to a live Q&A session with fans.
The event will conclude with a book signing, giving attendees the opportunity to meet Bradley in person and have their copies of Autistically Me personally signed.
For fans of the show, it’s a rare moment where fiction and reality intersect—bringing together two performers who represent very different generations of Emmerdale storytelling.
Emmerdale’s Broader Legacy of Real-World Storytelling
While this event focuses on the actors themselves, it also highlights something Emmerdale has become increasingly known for: its commitment to reflecting real-world issues through its storytelling.
Over the years, the soap has tackled subjects ranging from mental health and addiction to domestic abuse, grief, and identity. Characters like Mandy Dingle have often been central to emotionally charged storylines that resonate far beyond the village itself.
Similarly, younger characters such as Lewis Barton represent a newer generation of storytelling—where identity, neurodiversity, and emotional complexity are woven into ongoing arcs rather than treated as one-off narratives.
This alignment between the show’s themes and Bradley’s personal advocacy work adds another layer of significance to the upcoming Leeds event.
What Fans Can Expect on the Day
The event is expected to follow a structured format, beginning with a 45-minute live conversation between Bradley Riches and Lisa Riley. This will likely explore:
- Bradley’s journey into acting
- His experiences navigating autism in the entertainment industry
- Life on set at Emmerdale
- Lisa Riley’s reflections on decades in soap television
- Behind-the-scenes stories from filming in Yorkshire
Following the discussion, a Q&A session will allow fans to ask questions directly, offering a more interactive and intimate experience than traditional fan events.
Finally, attendees will be able to take part in a book signing session, marking the end of what promises to be a highly personal and inspiring afternoon.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for the event are expected to be available through official Waterstones channels and promotional listings associated with the Autistically Me book tour.
As interest continues to grow among Emmerdale fans and readers alike, demand is expected to be high, particularly given the combination of a bestselling author, a major soap star, and a beloved long-running cast member.
Organisers are encouraging fans to secure tickets early to avoid disappointment.
A Must-Attend Moment for Soap Fans
For Emmerdale viewers, this event offers something more than just celebrity appearances. It’s an opportunity to step into the real lives of actors who have become part of the show’s emotional fabric.
With Bradley Riches sharing a deeply personal story of resilience and identity, and Lisa Riley bringing her trademark warmth and humour to the stage, the Leeds event promises a rare blend of inspiration and entertainment.
As Emmerdale continues to evolve on screen with dramatic twists, emotional storylines, and powerful character arcs, this off-screen gathering serves as a reminder of the real people behind the drama—and the powerful stories they carry beyond the village of the Dales.