Emmerdale actor Joshua Richards has confirmed his character Bear Wolf will endure a 'long and harrowing' modern slavery ordeal in a groundbreaking storyline that highlights a hidden crisis across the UK.
A Cinematic Standalone Episode
The powerful standalone episode, which aired on November 10, 2025, follows Bear's 100-day journey since disappearing from the village while struggling with depression. The cinematic-quality episode reveals how Bear is groomed, put to work, injured, and psychologically abused by criminals Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) and Ray Walters (Joe Absolom).
Richards told Metro that this is 'just the beginning' of the character's ordeal. 'I think there's a lot more to come,' the actor confirmed. 'The seedy underbelly of this exploitative business will be peeled back for all to see. It will be revealed in all of its vileness.'
Tackling Real-World Issues
Emmerdale worked closely with The Salvation Army to ensure the storyline accurately reflected the realities of modern slavery in Britain. Richards revealed he spoke directly with a survivor - an older gentleman with a PhD who had been horribly exploited.
'I was amazed that this was someone who wasn't gullible and was very intelligent and forthright who was duped,' Richards shared. 'I was struck by his integrity and his dignity. That gave me a great latch on to the subject.'
The actor emphasized the importance of soaps tackling such difficult subjects: 'It's very important that soaps cover this because they've got the time to do it justice.'
Personal Connection to Depression
Richards drew on personal experience to portray Bear's mental health struggles, revealing he has witnessed male depression firsthand. 'If you're a big strong man who's used to having physicality so easily at your fingertips and it's not there any more, you can get a bit lost,' he explained.
The actor found the subject matter particularly poignant for older men who might feel 'redundant and surplus' as they age. 'I think that can lead to insecurity and maybe depression. I have seen it first hand and it always is sad to watch.'
Despite the dark nature of the storyline, Richards remains optimistic about the outcome: 'It will be harrowing, but of course there's always light at the end of every tunnel.'
Viewers can catch Bear's special episode on ITVX, with the storyline continuing in Emmerdale at 7:30pm on ITV every weekday. Episodes land on ITVX at 7am each morning.
