⚡ Emmerdale Shocker: Bear Wolf Episode Dives Into an “Unseen” Real-Life Issue — But Are Fans Ready for This?! 😱🐺📺
Emmerdale has revealed details of the upcoming standalone Bear Wolf episode, with the soap set to explore the issue of modern slavery. The character disappeared a few months ago following tensions with son Paddy Dingle.
While he was under the impression that his dad had gone to spend time in Ireland with friend Gnasher, the latter refused him a place to stay. After reading a letter from Gnasher, Paddy realised in tonight’s episode that Bear had actually gone missing.
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Emmerdale has now confirmed more information about Bear’s special episode, airing on Monday, which will reveal the truth of what happened to him over the 100 days.
In the flashbacks, we see that he is taken in by seemingly kind people and given lodgings in exchange for ‘work’ – though it becomes clear that he is being cruelly manipulated.
While under their control, he cannot fathom life outside this world, and after sustaining an injury, Bear is at their mercy, frail and alone.
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The soap has been working in collaboration with The Salvation Army to authentically portray the “unseen and unsuspected” topic of modern slavery through the storyline.
“It may surprise many people, but slavery is alive and well, indeed prospering in the modern world,” Bear actor Joshua Richards said. “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 to hopefully educate and highlight this abominable trade of human bondage.”
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Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, Kathy Betteridge, added: “Forced labour is one of the most hidden, but widespread forms of modern slavery in the UK today. We’re thankful to Emmerdale for using this storyline to expose the brutal truth – people are being exploited in plain sight, from farms and factories to cafés, car washes, homes and hotels.
“Victims are often isolated, threatened, and made to feel they have no way out. But there is a way out with the right, compassionate support, recovery is possible. Storylines like this, 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.”