'I am so happy I'm on cloud nine'

Bradley Riches on his Italian engagement, his stint on CBB and his brand new stage role

- SHELLEY SPADONI

Bradley Riches melted hearts on this year’s Celebrity Big Brother, with his lively puppy dog energy and frank admissions about his struggles to navigate the world as a young gay man with autism – as well as the sweet friendships that blossomed between him and his fellow housemates.

Before appearing on CBB, the 22-year-old, who is set to marry to acting agent Scott Johnston, first came to our attention in the hit Netflix series Heartstopper as student James. Here, Bradley chats to new about his fiancé Scott, their romantic Italian engagement, his time in the CBB house and his latest project, treading the boards in London…

Hi, Bradley! You must have recovered from CBB by now. How was it looking back?

It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. I’d do it again, in a heartbeat. I made some amazing friends there. Friends for life.

How did you feel about Sharon Osbourne saying you were the housemate she bonded with the most?

I absolutely love her. She’s a queen – an icon. And I feel like we really connected in the Celebrity Big Brother house. And she’s asked me to go on her podcast, so watch this space. She’s moving to the UK – I might become her neighbour, who knows?

Weren’t you a tiny bit intimidated by Sharon at first?