Emmerdale is set to deliver one of its most emotional and socially powerful storylines yet as the truth about Bear Wolf’s disappearance finally comes to light. The much-loved character, played by Joshua Richards, has been missing from the village for months — and the shocking reason behind his absence will shake the Dingle family to its core.

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Bear’s Disappearance Turns Dark

Fans will remember that Bear left the village earlier this year after tensions rose between him and his son Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt). Their fallout came after Bear’s strange behaviour put little Eve at risk, prompting Paddy to ask his father to leave.

At the time, Bear claimed he was heading to Ireland to stay with friends — but it turns out that was a lie. This week’s episodes reveal that his so-called “trip” led him somewhere far more dangerous.

Paddy remains blissfully unaware of the danger Bear’s in until a mysterious package arrives, making it clear his father never reached his intended destination. When calls to Bear’s friends go unanswered, Paddy’s worry escalates — and he’s forced to face the grim truth that his dad is missing.

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Paddy’s Desperate Search

Determined to find his father, Paddy goes to the police — but is left heartbroken when DS Swirling tells him Bear’s case isn’t a priority because there’s no immediate evidence of danger.

Refusing to give up, Paddy begins his own investigation with Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) by his side. They chase down every lead, but the trail runs cold at a car hire company. Paddy starts to wonder if Bear left by choice — until an innocent game with Eve changes everything.

When Matty Barton takes Eve and Isaac on a walk, he playfully suggests they go on a “bear hunt.” But the lighthearted moment turns chilling when Eve spots something in the distance and cries out:

“I’ve found the Bear! I’ve found my granddad!”

Matty is devastated when he realises how deeply Eve misses her granddad — but could her innocent discovery be more than imagination?

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The Shocking Truth: Bear’s Hidden Nightmare

A special standalone episode reveals what really happened to Bear during the 100 days he’s been missing. Viewers will see Bear in a barn on Celia Daniels’ (Jaye Griffiths) farm, looking frail and frightened.

He’s soon recognised by Anya, a young trafficking victim smuggled into the country in the back of a truck from Caleb Miligan’s (William Ash) depot.

The truth is horrifying — Bear has become a victim of modern slavery. Trapped, manipulated, and forced to work with no escape, his storyline exposes the grim reality of forced labour in modern Britain.

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Emmerdale’s Partnership with The Salvation Army

To ensure authenticity, Emmerdale has worked closely with The Salvation Army, an organisation that supports survivors of trafficking and exploitation.

Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery for the charity, praised the show’s commitment to raising awareness:

“Forced labour is one of the most hidden yet widespread forms of modern slavery in the UK. Victims are often isolated, threatened, and made to feel there’s no way out. But recovery is possible with the right, compassionate support.”

She added that storylines like this “help the public recognise what modern slavery really looks like and how vital it is to act when something doesn’t feel right.”

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A Storyline That Will Change Everything

The revelation about Bear will not only devastate Paddy but also force the village to confront a dark reality happening right under their noses. As Emmerdale continues to explore Bear’s ordeal, viewers can expect a powerful mix of heartbreak, justice, and hope — and a reminder that even in a small village, danger can lurk in plain sight.