Emmerdale’s Bear Wolf Star Joshua Richards Stuns Fans with 90s Throwback Photo
Emmerdale fans were left swooning this week after a throwback photo of Joshua Richards, who plays Bear Wolf, surfaced online — revealing the actor looking almost unrecognisable from his rugged on-screen persona.
From the Dales to the 90s — Joshua’s Transformation
Joshua joined Emmerdale in 2019 as Bear Wolf, the estranged father of Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt). With his rough-around-the-edges charm and big heart, Bear quickly became a fan favourite. But a 26-year-old snap from the 1990s has shown a completely different side to the actor — and viewers can’t stop talking about it.
The image, taken during Joshua’s stint on ITV’s Heartbeat in 1999, shows him as the dashing DI Haggarty, clean-shaven and suited, a far cry from the bearded, burly Bear of the Dales. Fans were floored by the transformation, flooding social media with praise — and a fair few crushes.
“He looks rather handsome here!” one fan gushed on Facebook.
“Doesn’t look like the same man,” another commented.
“Wow, Bear scrubs up well!” added a third.
Bear’s Disappearance Sends Shockwaves Through Emmerdale
The resurfaced photo came just as Emmerdale aired another tense episode involving Bear’s mysterious disappearance.
In Friday’s episode (November 7), Paddy received a package from the friend Bear was supposed to visit in Ireland — only to discover his father never arrived. Panic set in as Paddy tried calling Bear, but his phone went unanswered. Fearing the worst, he contacted the police to report him missing.
The storyline has fans anxious for answers — with many speculating whether Bear’s absence hides a darker twist or a health crisis after earlier concerns about his behaviour.
A Career Beyond the Dales
While Emmerdale is Joshua Richards’ first major soap role, his acting career spans theatre, television, and even Hollywood.
A former Royal Shakespeare Company performer, Joshua’s credits include a role opposite Brad Pitt in Troy (2004) and an appearance alongside Hugh Grant in A Very English Scandal for Amazon Prime. His return to television fame through Emmerdale has reminded audiences of his range — and now, thanks to that 90s throwback, his former heartthrob status too.
What’s Next for Bear Wolf?
As Paddy’s search intensifies, Emmerdale viewers are bracing for emotional scenes and possible heartbreak. Could Bear be in danger — or hiding a devastating secret of his own?
Whether or not his storyline ends in tragedy, fans are united on one point: Joshua Richards has aged like fine wine.