In a shocking early release on ITVX, Emmerdale character Bear Wolf, portrayed by Joshua Richards, has vanished after a harrowing incident where he nearly killed another resident. The episode, which aired ahead of its ITV1 broadcast on February 27, 2026, delves deep into Bear's ongoing battle with exhaustion and pain following his return from the farm.
Bear's Descent into Desperation
Bear's turmoil began with a sleepless night, plagued by arm pain and the emotional weight of attending Ray Walters' burial, played by Joe Absolom. Seeking relief, he visited Dr. Manpreet Sharma, Rebecca Sarker's character, hoping for painkillers. However, Manpreet, aware that Ray had supplied Bear with opioids over an extended period on the farm, refused to prescribe more medication. Instead, she advised Bear to schedule another counseling session and use over-the-counter alternatives.
A Drunken Outburst and Hospital Chaos
Dissatisfied with this solution, Bear turned to alcohol, fueling his anger. In a fit of rage, he punched a mirror, injuring his hand. Believing the hospital might provide the painkillers he craved, Bear wrapped his wound and headed there, only to face further frustration. Staff informed him he needed to wait, as doctors and nurses, including Jacob Gallagher, Joe-Warren Plant's character, were preoccupied with Laurel Thomas, who had been rushed in after Arthur Thomas pushed her over.
When Jacob finally attended to Bear, he found him in a corridor, desperately pleading for medication to help him sleep. Due to hospital protocols, Jacob couldn't prescribe drugs alone, so he attempted to calm Bear by taking him to a quiet room. However, Bear's delusions had taken hold, impairing his ability to communicate. In a terrifying moment, he grabbed Jacob in the same wrestling hold he used on Ray before his death, unaware of the harm he was inflicting.
A Narrow Escape and Bear's Disappearance
Jacob only escaped by kicking over a trolley, the loud noise startling Bear back to reality. Horrified by his actions, Bear was confronted by Paddy Kirk and Mandy Dingle, who gently explained that the police were on their way. The thought of returning to prison terrified Bear, and later, Paddy and Mandy discovered he had disappeared. The episode concludes with Bear wandering alone through a cold, dark city in the middle of the night, leaving viewers to wonder who will find him.
Implications for Emmerdale's Future
This intense storyline highlights Bear's struggle with addiction and trauma, raising questions about his fate and the impact on other characters like Jacob, who narrowly avoided a tragic outcome. The early ITVX release has sparked speculation among fans, with many eagerly anticipating how this plot will unfold in upcoming episodes.
