Emmerdale Star's Axe Fear Before Dramatic Storyline
Emmerdale actor Joshua Richards experienced genuine panic when producers informed him his character Bear Wolf would be absent from screens for much of 2025. The performer, who has portrayed Bear since 2019, initially believed this temporary departure signalled the end of his time on the popular ITV soap.
Joshua recently revealed that when producer Laura Shaw told him he'd be disappearing from viewers' screens for a while, his immediate assumption was that he'd be receiving his P45 and leaving the show for good. Fortunately for the actor and his character, this wasn't the case at all.
Building Towards a Hard-Hitting Plot
Instead of an exit, Bear's absence was carefully planned to set up one of the soap's most powerful and contemporary storylines. Make-up artist Clare Golds gave Joshua specific instructions during his time off-screen, telling him: "Whatever you do, don't cut your hair and don't shave your beard. Go raggedy."
The actor followed this advice, transforming into what he described as "a raggedy old man" during his break from filming. This physical transformation would prove crucial for the character's upcoming narrative.
Friday's episode of Emmerdale confirmed that Bear has fallen victim to modern slavery after being lured into a dangerous underground world controlled by Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) and Ray Walters (Joe Absolom).
Tackling Modern Slavery Through Drama
Joshua explained the careful preparation required for such a sensitive storyline, noting that while scripts provide direction, actors must find their own way into the emotional truth of their characters' experiences. He praised the production team for creating an atmosphere conducive to authentic performance.
The actor highlighted how vulnerable people can be drawn into modern slavery situations, particularly those who might feel "useless and redundant." He noted that when someone convinces them they have value and "currency" – both literally and figuratively – manipulation can lead to unimaginable situations.
Currently in the storyline, Bear's son Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) knows his father never reached Ireland but remains unaware that Bear is being held captive in a barn just a short distance from his home.
Tonight's special episode will reveal how Ray found Bear and began forcing him to work for Celia. Through flashbacks, viewers will see how Bear was initially taken in by seemingly kind people who offered work in exchange for board and lodgings, only for this to rapidly escalate into extreme manipulation.
Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, commended Emmerdale for tackling this important issue. She stated: "Forced labour is one of the most hidden, but widespread forms of modern slavery in the UK today."
She emphasised that such storylines, "delivered with attention to detail and authenticity, help the public recognise what modern slavery really looks like and how vital it is to act when something doesn't feel right."
