In a dramatic early release on ITVX, Emmerdale has delivered a game-changing moment that offers a glimmer of hope for one of the village's most tragic storylines. A chance encounter on Celia Daniels' sinister farm could finally crack the case of Bear Wolf's mysterious disappearance.
A Sinister Test and a Managerial Offer
The episode, which aired early on ITVX on December 2, 2025, saw young Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) subjected to a brutal character assessment by crime boss Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths). After Dylan's secret call to the police about April Windsor's plight, Celia's suspicion turned into a twisted form of interest.
To test his mettle, Celia ordered Dylan to attack a man named Robbie with a baseball bat, falsely accusing Robbie of being an informant. Dylan refused to carry out the violent act, a decision which, paradoxically, impressed Celia. She then painted herself as a benefactor, showing Dylan around the farm and claiming she provides a home for vulnerable adults who have chosen this life over the streets.
Oblivious to the truth of the modern slavery operation, Dylan was offered a managerial role similar to Ray Walters (Joe Absolom), with Mick acting as the enforcer. Confused and horrified after finding a beaten and bloodied Robbie, Dylan retreated to the attic.
A Shocking Recognition in the Shadows
It was there that the episode's pivotal moment unfolded. As Dylan processed the horror, an exhausted Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) wandered into view. Bear, who is struggling with a likely addiction to medication supplied by Ray, is known to everyone on the farm only as 'Ted'.
Dylan immediately recognised him. Having moved into Tenants after Bear left the village, Dylan is acutely aware of how worried Bear's son, Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt), has been about his missing father. The problem is, Bear does not recognise Dylan in return.
What Happens Next for Dylan and Bear?
This accidental discovery changes everything. Dylan is now in possession of a devastating secret: a beloved villager is being held captive and exploited just steps away from Home Farm. With Celia attempting to groom him for a senior role within her criminal enterprise, Dylan faces an impossible dilemma.
Does he risk his own safety—and potentially April's—to try and help Bear? Can he make Bear realise who he is without alerting Celia or Ray? And how will he reconcile Celia's manipulative 'philanthropist' act with the grim reality of Bear's addiction and forced labour?
This ITVX early release sets the stage for a high-stakes narrative where Dylan must navigate extreme danger. His next move could either spell doom or finally bring a desperate family the answers they crave.
