The actor Bradley Riches, known for roles in Heartstopper and the ITV soap Emmerdale, has revealed the death of his grandmother in the run-up to his wedding. In social media posts made on TikTok and Instagram, he reflected on the timing of the loss, saying he never expected to be saying goodbye so close to such a major life event. The announcement has been met with an outpouring of sympathy from fans and fellow public figures.
Riches and his partner Scott Johnson have been engaged since April 2026, when they announced their engagement during a trip to Sorrento, Italy. The couple’s upcoming nuptials were already attracting attention for a guest list that includes many of the actor’s industry friends and former reality-show co-stars. The recent family bereavement adds a tender and reflective note to what was already a headline-grabbing week.
Messages and memories shared online
Through a short video and still images, Bradley chose to honour his grandmother’s memory publicly while keeping the tone personal and affectionate. He explained that before she died she reassured him she would be present at his wedding in spirit, and he expressed a firm belief that she will be there on the day. The posts prompted numerous comments offering condolences, with several followers suggesting meaningful ways to include a lost loved one in wedding rituals—such as wearing a piece of jewellery or dedicating a moment of the ceremony to their memory.
Fan and friend responses
Support came quickly from both the public and from people in Bradley’s circle. Comments ranged from simple condolences to thoughtful suggestions about commemorating a relative at a wedding. Former co-stars and acquaintances sent messages of love and strength, reinforcing how interconnected Bradley’s professional life and personal relationships have become. The warm reaction underlined how social media allows private grief to be acknowledged within a wider community while preserving the intimacy of the family loss.
Wedding plans and notable guests
Bradley previously spoke about the high-profile nature of the wedding, noting that attendees would include colleagues from Emmerdale and cast members from Heartstopper, as well as people he met during his time on Celebrity Big Brother. The roster of guests mentioned in interviews and reports features names from reality TV and the entertainment industry, including David Potts, Colson Smith, Nikita Kuzmin, Sharon Osbourne, Levi Roots, Zeze Millz, Marisha Wallace, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, Arlene Phillips and Tasha Ghouri. Bradley has said that many of the Big Brother group and other friends will attend to celebrate the couple.
Sharon Osbourne and other friendships
Among the guests, Sharon Osbourne is a highlighted presence; Bradley has described a friendly relationship with her that developed after they spent time together on Celebrity Big Brother. He mentioned in interviews that Sharon would be at the wedding to support him, although she will not be performing a formal role such as walking him down the aisle. Anecdotes from their friendship—like shared breakfasts and light-hearted moments—have been mentioned in media profiles illustrating how his reality-tv connections have turned into lasting friendships.
Balancing grief with celebration
The juxtaposition of mourning and marriage creates a complex emotional landscape for Bradley and Scott. While planning a wedding draws attention and excitement, the loss of a close family member brings grief and reflection. Many commenters encouraged the couple to include a deliberate tribute during the ceremony: a reserved seat, a dedicated reading, a favourite song, or an heirloom accessory. Such gestures are often suggested to help couples honour relatives who cannot be there in person while still moving forward with their celebration.
Looking ahead
As the wedding approaches, Bradley has signalled that he will carry his grandmother’s memory with him. The actor’s public reflections show an attempt to hold both mourning and joy at once—acknowledging the pain of loss while anticipating a major life milestone with his partner. Fans and friends have rallied around the couple, offering sympathy and practical ideas for remembrance, and the story serves as a reminder that even high-profile events are shaped by ordinary family experiences.