Joshua Richards has spoken out about his new Emmerdale storyline, as it’s been revealed that his character, Bear Wolf, has become a victim of modern slavery.
ITV’s Emmerdale has finally revealed the truth about Bear Wolf’s disappearance over the past few months.
A special standalone episode, set to air on Monday (November 10), will explore the dark and disturbing reality of modern slavery.
When Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) discovers that his father, Bear (Joshua Richards), never actually made it to Ireland, his concern begins to grow. After months of silence and strained relations, Paddy is determined to find his dad and make amends.
As Paddy’s search unfolds, viewers will learn the heartbreaking truth about Bear’s situation — exposing the harsh reality faced by those who are forgotten. Despite being physically close to Emmerdale, Bear, once a devoted father and fighter, now lives on society’s margins, feeling utterly cut off from his family and former life.
Through flashbacks, viewers will see how Bear was lured in by people who appeared kind and generous, offering him “work” in return for food and a place to stay.
However, it soon becomes clear that this offer was nothing more than a cruel deception. Trapped and manipulated, Bear becomes completely dependent on his captors, unable to imagine a life beyond their control. As time passes, he grows weak, injured, and utterly isolated — more alone than ever before.
This special episode seeks to shed light on the heartbreaking reality of modern slavery — a widespread issue that continues to exist in the shadows of everyday life, often unnoticed and unchallenged.
Reflecting on filming these powerful scenes, Joshua Richards, who portrays Bear, said: “Many people may not realise it, but slavery still exists — and in fact, it continues to thrive in today’s world.”
“It’s not just happening in distant countries or unfamiliar cultures, nor is it limited to the exploitation of migrants by criminal gangs that some of us have heard about.
“This is taking place right here, under our very noses. The vulnerable — including the poor, the elderly, those struggling with mental health or disabilities, and people society too often overlooks — are prime targets for ruthless criminals who exploit their weakness for profit.
“I feel truly privileged to be part of this storyline, which I hope will help raise awareness and understanding of this horrific form of modern-day slavery.”
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: “Our rural setting provides the perfect backdrop for this story — but it’s not all idyllic farms and rolling hills.
“Just like in cities, the countryside can conceal some of society’s darkest truths. From the moment Ray Walters and Celia Daniels arrived in the village, it was clear they weren’t to be trusted.”
“We’ve already witnessed how Ray and Celia manipulated April Windsor and Dylan Penders, but this special standalone episode focusing on Bear’s ordeal with modern slavery truly exposes the depths of cruelty and control these traffickers can wield.
“Bear is completely trapped in his circumstances, and through a series of scenes, viewers will gradually understand how he ended up in such a horrific situation.”
She went on to say: “Ray will likely never be a character the audience sympathises with, but we hope this episode offers fleeting moments that show even he may be caught in a system beyond his control.
“We’re incredibly thankful to The Salvation Army for their guidance on Bear’s storyline, as well as the connected county lines drug plot involving April and Dylan. Their support has been vital in helping us portray these disturbing yet widespread issues with authenticity and sensitivity.”
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