Celebrity Big Brother fans say 'normalise it' as they spot 'amazing' detail in Bradley Riches entrance
05.03.2024 - 07:00
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Celebrity Big Brother returned to TV screens on Monday night, with thirteen famous faces stepping foot in the iconic house. The reality series has returned with a new home on ITV after several years away.
One of the celebrity contestants to enter the house on Monday's launch night was Bradley Riches, the 22-year-old star of Netflix series Heartstopper. Bradley plays James McEwan in the coming-of-age drama, which explores sexuality and identity.
The young actor was diagnosed with autism at an early age and has written a children's book reflecting on his own experiences with the condition. In his VT before entering the house, Bradley explained that his diagnosis used to make him feel 'like an alien'.
READ MORE: Heartstopper star Bradley Riches' autism advocacy and film appearances
"I was diagnosed with autism when I was nine year olds so growing up I felt like an alien," the actor said. "I didn't know where I placed in the world."
Bradley hopes that he'll be able to inspire other young autistic people during his time in the house. He added: "I think being different is very cool, I think it's taken me a long time to realise that and I just want to inspire people and give people that positive representation."
And fans who watched him enter the house think they spotted an 'amazing' detail that shows how the Netflix star is setting out to be his true self.
As Bradley made his way through the cheering crowds to speak to presenters AJ Odudu and Will Best, fans noticed he was wearing earplugs. People with autism often find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable, according to the NHS, and earplugs or noise cancelling headphones can help them cope.
"Bradley Riches wearing noise