ITV Share By Carena Crawford Nov 7 2025 By Carena Crawford Nov 7 2025 Emmerdale confirms Modern Slavery storyline for Bear Wolf: 'It will surprise people' Bear is at the mercy of Ray and Celia Bear Wolf Celia Daniels Ray Walters Share By Carena Crawford Nov 7 2025 By Carena Crawford Nov 7 2025 Emmerdale has confirmed they are addressing the issue of Modern Slavery with the latest Bear Wolf storyline. Bear has been missing for months and before he left his behaviour was incredibly strange. Speculation was rife about what was going on with him, especially when it was confirmed it was set to be a never-done-before storyline. Paddy is desperate to find his dad (Credit: ITV) Paddy is searching for Bear in Emmerdale Paddy has realised his dad, Bear, never made it to Ireland. Having not heard from Bear for months after a period of tension, Paddy is therefore desperate to track him down and reconcile. Emmerdale will reveal Bear’s appalling circumstances next week. Bear is still living close to his life in Emmerdale. But he believes he is too far gone from reconnecting with his family. All the strength we once saw in the former fighter has drained away. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Flashbacks will then take us through the lost 100 days of Bear’s life. We will see how Bear was first taken in by seemingly kind people and offered ‘work’ in exchange for board and lodgings. Very quickly, it becomes clear he is being manipulated, controlled and exploited. Soon, Bear cannot see a life outside of his current existence. He is injured, frail, and certainly at the mercy of his captors. Bear has never been more alone. We now know where Bear is (Credit: ITV) A tale of Modern Slavery The episode and storyline will show the existence of modern slavery. It is something more common than we know, but often no one suspects a thing. Emmerdale has worked closely with The Salvation Army. They are keen to ensure an authentic portrayal of an elderly white man who quickly finds himself trapped. Joshua Richards, who plays Bear, has said: “It may surprise many people, but slavery is alive and well, indeed prospering in the modern world. “Not only in obscure countries and cultures that we know little about, and not just the exploitation of migrants by criminal gangs of which some of us are aware. It is happening under our very own noses. “The disadvantaged, dispossessed, those with mental health issues or disabilities, the old, lonely and vulnerable people that our society neglect are the perfect prey for grooming by unscrupulous criminal agencies. “I’m very excited and honoured to be taking part in this. Hopefully we can educate and highlight this abominable trade of human bondage.” Bear can’t save himself (Credit: ITV) Show boss also speaks out Laura Shaw, the producer of Emmerdale added: “With our farming and rural backdrop we have an ideal setting. But it’s not all fluffy sheep and rolling landscapes. The countryside, just like an urban setting, can harbour the dark undercurrents of society. “When Ray and Celia first came to Emmerdale it was clear that both characters were not to be trusted. We have already seen their manipulation of April and Dylan. But this special standalone episode featuring Bear ensnared in Modern Slavery, highlights the cruelty and control that these slave masters can exhibit. “Bear is truly trapped in his situation. Over a series of scenes you begin to understand a little more how this happened.” She also said Ray is not necessarily the out and out baddie we think he is. “I don’t think the audience will ever like the character of Ray. But hopefully there will be glimmers within this episode that make you realise he too is perhaps trapped in a world not of his making. “The Salvation Army has given Emmerdale invaluable help with the portrayal of these shocking, yet prevalent situations in our society.” Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Good to Know Share By Carena Crawford Nov 7 2025 By Carena Crawford Nov 7 2025 Previous Story Next Story
