Emmerdale's Early ITVX Release Delivers a Chilling Bear Twist
In a gripping early release on ITVX, Emmerdale has unveiled a dramatic twist involving Bear Wolf, leaving Paddy Kirk reeling from the consequences. This episode, dated January 26, 2026, has not yet aired on ITV1, offering spoilers for dedicated fans who access the streaming service. The storyline delves into the aftermath of Ray Walters' murder, with Bear's fragile mental state at the centre of the turmoil.
The Aftermath of Ray's Murder
Last week, Emmerdale revealed the truth behind Ray Walters' death, confirming that Bear Wolf, in a state of confusion, accidentally killed Ray while trying to protect Paddy. The incident occurred after Ray attacked Paddy, leading to a chaotic confrontation where Bear intervened, only to fatally squeeze Ray's neck without realising the severity of his actions. In Friday's episode, viewers saw how Ray's body was moved to Jai Sharma's depot van, with Paddy and Dylan Penders agreeing to cover up the murder to protect Bear.
Paddy's Struggle with Deception
As today's episode opens, Paddy is grappling with the weight of lying to everyone about Bear's whereabouts. His best friend, Marlon Dingle, expresses concern over their changed dynamic, forcing Paddy to reassure him while maintaining the facade that Bear is still missing. The local vet then visits a remote house where Dylan has been coaching Bear on their cover story. Despite Dylan's belief that Bear has mastered the tale, Paddy hesitates, reminded that Bear still believes he had a genuine connection with Ray.
Together, Paddy and Dylan conclude that Bear cannot return home yet, as his confusion poses a risk of revealing the murder and landing him in prison. However, as night falls, Paddy discovers Bear's room empty, with the window wide open, sparking a frantic search for the vulnerable man.
Joshua Richards on Bear's Journey
Actor Joshua Richards, who plays Bear, shared insights into the character's painful recovery process. He stated, 'How he moves on I don’t know. It’s a painful process, and I’m looking forward to the complexities with the writers and producers to find out where the journey goes next.' Richards hinted at Bear's potential return to his old self, noting recent filming involved shouting at Paddy, but emphasised that Bear is still not right and will need time to heal.
Implications for Emmerdale's Future
This early ITVX release sets the stage for high-stakes drama in Emmerdale, as Paddy and Dylan race to find Bear before his disappearance unravels their secrets. With Bear's mental health in jeopardy and the threat of exposure looming, the village faces potential fallout that could impact multiple characters. Fans can expect explosive twists and emotional confrontations as this storyline develops, highlighting themes of loyalty, protection, and the consequences of trauma.
