TRAILER!!! Emmerdale finally reveals where Bear Wolf has been — but the truth behind his disappearance will break Paddy’s heart forever

The mystery surrounding Bear Wolf’s disappearance is finally about to be solved — and Emmerdale fans are in for an emotional and shocking revelation. After months of speculation, the ITV soap has confirmed a special standalone episode that will uncover exactly where Bear has been, and what has really happened to him since he vanished from the village.

The Disappearance That Shook Paddy

It’s been a painful year for Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt). His father, Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) — once a proud wrestler and a steadying presence in Paddy’s life — abruptly left the Dales earlier this year following a series of heated clashes with his son.

Paddy’s growing concern that Bear might be suffering from dementia caused a deep rift between them. When Bear lashed out and claimed he was leaving to “visit a friend in Ireland,” it seemed like another chapter of Dingle heartbreak. But that trip, as it turns out, never happened.

Since then, viewers have seen only fleeting glimpses of Bear — most notably in July, wandering alone through a windswept field, living out of his car and looking broken. No one knew where he was heading, or if he’d ever return.

The Truth Comes Out

Next week’s special episode promises to fill in the blanks and finally answer the question haunting fans for months: Where is Bear?

A newly released trailer teases a deeply emotional journey, as Paddy pieces together clues and realises his father never made it to Ireland. The chilling truth of where Bear has been — and what he’s endured — will soon be revealed.

ITV has described Bear’s upcoming storyline as “a tragic but all-too-common situation faced by a forgotten generation,” suggesting that his disappearance may be tied to homelessness, isolation, or mental health struggles — issues the show has tackled with sensitivity before.

Not Dementia, But Deep Pain

Actor Joshua Richards, who plays Bear, has already ruled out dementia as the cause. Instead, he hinted that Bear’s story explores themes of identity and loss.

“He’s like somebody with dementia stumbling off into the countryside,” Joshua explained, “not knowing who they are or what their purpose in life is.”

The description paints a heartbreaking picture of a man who’s lost his sense of self — a shadow of the confident, loud wrestler fans once knew.

Paddy’s Search for Redemption

The upcoming episode sees Paddy’s guilt reach breaking point as he realises how wrong he was about his father’s situation. Determined to find Bear, he sets out on an emotional mission that could change their relationship forever.

But as the trailer shows, when Paddy finally uncovers the truth, it might be more tragic than anyone expected.

What’s Next for Bear?

The episode marks one of two special instalments airing next week — the second focusing on Robert Sugden’s (Ryan Hawley) prison past and his relationship with Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill).

While Bear’s fate remains under wraps, insiders hint that his story will strike an emotional chord with viewers and shed light on an often-overlooked issue.

For Paddy, it’s a reckoning — a chance to face the mistakes of the past and rediscover the father he thought he’d lost.

One thing’s certain: when the credits roll on next week’s episode, Emmerdale fans will see Bear Wolf — and Paddy Kirk — in a whole new light.