Emmerdale is set to reopen one of its most mysterious storylines next week, as Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) learns that something may have gone terribly wrong with his estranged father, Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards). What begins as mild concern quickly spirals into a chilling mystery that will leave viewers questioning what really happened during Bear’s missing months.

A Father’s Disappearance Comes Back to Haunt Paddy

Bear left the village three months ago after a heated argument with Paddy. At the time, he claimed he was heading to Ireland to stay with old wrestling friends. But fans know that Bear never made it there — and now, the truth is finally catching up to Paddy.

“Bear and Paddy didn’t leave on great terms,” a show insider revealed. “Bear’s erratic behavior was worrying everyone, so he decided it was best to get away for a while. But Paddy soon learns Bear lied about where he went — and he has no idea where he is.”

When Paddy receives a mysterious package addressed to his father, alarm bells immediately ring. With Bear still missing, Paddy opens it — and what he finds inside confirms his father never reached Ireland.

Panic and Realization

As Paddy contacts Bear’s old friends for answers, he’s met with confusion — none of them have heard from him in months. The realization sinks in: Bear has vanished.

“The more he looks into this, the worse it gets,” the source continued. “Paddy thought Bear just needed space. But when Bear doesn’t even call for granddaughter Eve’s birthday, that’s when Paddy starts to panic.”

Left with no other option, Paddy reports his father missing to the police, hoping desperately for answers. But the question remains — is Bear in danger, or is there something darker at play?

A Long-Awaited Storyline Returns

Fans may recall that earlier this year, Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw teased a major storyline for Bear. “He’s going to go off screen for a little while — he’s going to go missing,” Shaw said in May. “When he comes back, what you’ll see is a very different Bear in a really different situation. Everyone will be asking, ‘What the hell happened here?’”

Now, that mystery is finally taking shape. ITV has confirmed that a special episode airing next month will explore Bear’s 100 missing days, revealing where he’s been — and what he’s been hiding.

What Lies Ahead for the Dingles?

With Paddy already shaken by past emotional turmoil, this new twist threatens to reopen old wounds. As he searches for Bear, Paddy may uncover truths that change his understanding of his father forever.

One thing is certain: the Dingle family drama is far from over — and Bear’s return promises to bring shockwaves through the village.