The Bear Wolf actor on soap’s responsibility to educate viewers on the frightening and very real world of modern slavery

Emmerdale’s Joshua Richards has revealed that Bear Wolf’s special episode will explain everything, as he’s thrown into the frightening world of modern slavery.

The episode will follow Bear’s timeline backwards from him trapped on Celia’s farm to him telling Paddy he was leaving for Ireland. It’s a soap first and a “never been done” storyline, with links to April and Dylan’s county lines plot with Ray and Celia also involved.

Viewers of the ITV soap have been asking “where’s Bear” after he disappeared from the Dales months ago. His departure followed a string of difficult moments for the character, who had been struggling with violent outbursts and insomnia.

Although telling son Paddy Kirk that he was heading to Ireland to see friends, Paddy was encouraged by Mandy to open a parcel delivered to their house which was addressed to Bear.

The parcel contained a letter from Bear’s friend Gnasher, who he was meant to be staying with, asking if he was okay as he hadn’t heard from him in a while.

Finally, it was revealed that Bear had found himself in a heartbreaking situation. Locked away in a room by drug lord Celia Daniels on her farm – a place where Paddy had only just checked – Bear looked dishevelled and exhausted.

Anya, who was found at the depot and Ruby attempted to help her, was then thrown into that same room, her health in poor condition.

ITV have now confirmed that on Monday (November 10) an episode will delve into the insidious world of modern slavery.

Emmerdale Producer Laura Shaw stated: “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 seen their manipulation of April and Dylan, but this special stand alone 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 and over a series of scenes you begin to understand a little more how this happened. 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.”

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News and other press, Joshua Richards has broken his silence on Bear’s special episode.

He shared: “It was a bit discombobulating at first. It’ll be interesting because Bear has been experiencing depression and confusion. So maybe, it’s a great thing to find him so vulnerable – a big strong man being exploited like this.”

The actor continued: “We will find out exactly what happened to him. We can only prepare by reading the script and finding out exactly where the character is going. Luckily, we do have very good writers and very good producers, who can steer you towards the place where you need to be.”

When asked about Bear’s current position, he added: “We’ve just been talking to the Salvation Army and I’ve been speaking to a lovely gentleman who had been exploited. Basically, it’s something that you can slip into if you’ve been manipulated a certain way.

“Being a certain age as well, where maybe you do think that you’re useless and redundant, someone can step in and convince you that you are worth something and that you do have some kind of currency.

“But ‘currency’ is the operative word. You can be manipulated into a situation that you didn’t envisage seeing yourself in. It’s quite fascinating how these things actually do happen.”

Joshua exclaimed: “It’s something I’ve been aware of for many years – and even before I did that play. It is quite frightening that even as we speak, there are about 40 million people in modern day slavery, which is horrific.

“Soap does have a responsibility to educate and maybe show things that go under the radar, which you may not necessarily see on the main news. Things like Mr Bates vs the Post Office, the blood scandal or various other things have been brought to light by great television drama.

“I think it’s our job to do that. I’m very proud to be part of what ITV is doing with these wonderful writers and the great research which has gone on.

“Hopefully it will prompt something and there will be action. But then again, we don’t hold hope for any government, in light of the other scandals which have gone by and very little has been done.”