Emmerdale Star Admits He Was ‘Frightened’ to Take On Shocking Modern Slavery Storyline
Emmerdale is preparing to air one of its darkest and most socially charged storylines to date — the shocking truth behind Bear Wolf’s disappearance. Actor Joshua Richards, who plays Bear, has revealed that the plot was so intense it left him “frightened” to take it on, warning that viewers will be left “furious” by what’s to come.
The Tragic Fate of Bear Wolf
Viewers last saw Bear Wolf, the father of Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt), earlier this year before he mysteriously vanished from the village. Now, Emmerdale is set to reveal the devastating reason for his absence — Bear has become a victim of modern slavery, marking the first time the ITV soap has tackled the issue from the perspective of an older, vulnerable man.
After being told to leave by Paddy, Bear found himself homeless and desperate, making him an easy target for criminal gangs who promised him work and security. Instead, they lured him into exploitation and control — a storyline that Richards says mirrors the frightening realities faced by many isolated individuals.
Joshua Richards: “It Was Frightening to Play”
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Richards opened up about the emotional and psychological challenges of portraying such a vulnerable character.
“Basically it’s something that you can slip into,” he explained. “If you’ve been manipulated a certain way — and being a certain age as well, where maybe you think that you’re useless and redundant — if someone convinces you that you are worth something, that you do have some kind of currency, you can be easily drawn in.”
The actor added that Bear’s descent into the world of exploitation was disturbingly easy to imagine.
“You can be manipulated into a situation you never envisaged being in. It’s quite fascinating — and terrifying — how these things actually happen.”
A Visceral and Emotional Transformation
The storyline was filmed across multiple time frames, capturing Bear’s physical and emotional deterioration. Richards described the process as “complicated but powerful.”
“You first see Bear when he’s at rock bottom — filthy, scraggly, and unkempt,” he said. “Then bit by bit we took it away, working backward through his journey. Each day I was in a different part of the story, a different time zone — it was exciting, but quite weird.”
The upcoming episodes will show how Bear’s situation worsens over time and how isolation and shame prevent him from reaching out to his family.
Fans Will Be ‘Furious’
Richards admitted he expects a strong reaction from fans when the truth is finally revealed.
“They’ll be furious,” he said. “Furious about how Bear is tricked, how he’s treated, and how Paddy turned his back on him. By the time Bear realises what’s happening, he’s too far in — it’s too hard to get back out.”
The storyline aims to highlight that modern slavery is closer than many people think, often hidden in plain sight.
“It’s not just something that happens abroad,” Richards warned. “It’s here — it’s people picking your spuds, fixing your driveway, or working on your roof. You really don’t know.”
What Happens Next for Paddy and Bear?
While Paddy begins searching for his father, clues lead him to believe that Bear may have left by choice. But as the truth begins to surface, Paddy will be forced to confront the guilt of pushing his father away — and the horror of what Bear endured while he was gone.
Another standalone episode is set to explore Bear’s ordeal in detail, revealing how deeply he fell under the control of his captors and the emotional toll it has taken.
A Groundbreaking Story for Emmerdale
This modern slavery storyline marks a bold and socially important step for Emmerdale, shining a light on a hidden crime that affects thousands across the UK. Richards’ raw, honest performance is already being praised as one of the soap’s most powerful portrayals in recent years.
As the episodes unfold, one thing is certain — Bear’s return will change the Dingle family forever.