Bradley Riches and his newly-wed spouse, Scott Johnston, are radiating joy as they recount their heartfelt wedding tale, a love story that withstood lockdown challenges and a quirky Aperol-fueled proposal in Italy.
Fresh from exchanging vows at Lillibrooke Manor and Barns in Maidenhead, Berkshire, the couple, both 24 years old and now known as Mr. and Mr. Johnston-Riches, are clearly still reveling in their honeymoon phase.
“Are you eager to hear all the details?” Bradley, known for his role in Emmerdale, asks with a grin, glancing at Scott, as they share the full account of their special day with OK!. “Because there’s quite a bit.”
Their journey began when they met at drama school in 2020, evolving from classmates at Emil Dale Academy, a part of the University of Bedfordshire, to becoming life partners. Their love story didn’t start with grand gestures; as Bradley recounts, “We were neighbors, started as friends, and never looked back.”
Their bond deepened during the uncertainties of the pandemic, bringing them closer together. “It was during that strange lockdown phase,” Scott recalls. “With restrictions in place, we spent time outdoors, going on walks, and truly getting to know each other.” Once socializing was permitted, they had their first official date in Brighton, a significant moment that marked the beginning of their inseparable journey.
Realizing they had found their soulmate, they continued sharing a home in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, while pursuing their studies. Bradley’s acting career soared when he landed a role as James McEwan in the Netflix series Heartstopper in 2022.
Fast forward to 2024, post Bradley’s appearance on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother, where he secured the sixth position. “We used to joke that if I won, Scott would propose,” Bradley chuckles. “So when I didn’t win, I thought that was the end of it.”
However, Scott had other plans. “I spoke to Bradley’s agent and requested a hold on his schedule for a few days,” Scott reveals. “I had a surprise getaway planned.”
Bradley adds, “After Celebrity Big Brother, my agent paused all my commitments, which seemed odd. Then Scott surprised me with a trip to Sorrento, Italy, as a much-needed break.”
The first hint of the impending proposal was Scott’s instruction for Bradley to wear white, setting the stage for a memorable evening. Despite a less-than-romantic dinner setting, the magical moment unfolded later at their villa, where Scott popped the question against a backdrop of candles and a Sorrento sunset.
“I immediately said yes, of course!” Bradley beams. “And then, out of nowhere, our best friends Emily and Holly appeared. I had no clue they were there.”
The proposal was not without its chaos, as Scott recounts, “The girls almost missed it, caught up in town enjoying Aperol Spritzes instead of heading to the villa.”
Bradley adds, “Then they got locked out and had to climb over a neighbor’s balcony to join us.”
Despite the behind-the-scenes mayhem, the moment felt perfect to Bradley. Upon their return, they celebrated with an engagement party at London’s Chamberlain hotel. Opting to wait a couple of years before their wedding to allow ample planning time, they finally tied the knot on Wednesday, 8 April.
Bradley admits, “Scott took the lead in planning the wedding. I usually enjoy organizing, but this felt overwhelming. I would have been a nervous wreck.”
They stumbled upon the perfect wedding venue near their residence in High Wycombe in September 2024. However, a twist of fate led them to relocate to Leeds when Bradley landed a role as Lewis in Emmerdale. Despite the move, their wedding day proved to be “absolutely magical.”
The ceremony, attended by celebrity friends and former colleagues, was a joyous affair filled with laughter and love. The couple exchanged vows in Marc Darcy day suits, surrounded by 14 bridesmaids. Bradley’s father Julian proudly stood by as his best man.
The celebration continued with outdoor games during the evening reception, including limbo and tug-of-war, where Scott’s family member hilariously face-planted during a match against Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin.
Surprises unfolded throughout the day, including a performance by Marisha Wallace singing Tina Turner hits, making it a truly unforgettable event for the newlyweds and their guests.