Joshua Richards has broken his silence on his latest Emmerdale storyline as it’s confirmed his character Bear Wolf has found himself trapped in the world of modern slavery
ITV soap Emmerdale have finally confirmed where Bear Wolf has been for the past few months.
A special stand-alone episode which is set to air on Monday (November 10) will delve into the insidious world of modern slavery.
When Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) realises his dad, Bear (Joshua Richards), never made it to Ireland, he becomes increasingly worried.
Having not heard from his father for months after a period of tension, Paddy is desperate to track him down and reconcile.
As Paddy embarks on his search, Emmerdale will reveal Bear’s appalling circumstances, highlighting the plight of the forgotten. If only Paddy knew just how near, yet how far, his father truly was.
Bear, a former family man and fighter, is now living on the edge of society, still within physical reach of his old life in Emmerdale. However, his circumstances make him believe he is a million miles from reconnecting with his family and his past.
Through flashbacks, we witness how Bear was first taken in by seemingly kind people, offered “work” in exchange for board and lodgings.
Very quickly, it becomes clear this is manipulation at its most extreme. Under their control, Bear finds himself unable to fathom life outside his current existence. Soon, he is injured, frail, and entirely at the mercy of his captors. Bear has never been more alone.
This episode aims to shine a light on the tragically common existence of modern slavery that thrives on the edges of our society – unseen and unsuspected.
Speaking about his experience filming this special episode, Joshua Richards, who plays Bear, said: “It may surprise many people, but slavery is alive and well, indeed prospering in the modern world.
“Not only in obscure countries and cultures that we know little about, and not just the exploitation of migrants by criminal gangs of which some of us are aware.
“It is happening under our very own noses. The disadvantaged, dispossessed, those with mental health issues or disabilities, the old, lonely and vulnerable people that our society neglect are the perfect prey for grooming by unscrupulous criminal agencies.
“I’m very excited and honoured to be taking part in this to hopefully educate and highlight this abominable trade of human bondage.”
Laura Shaw Emmerdale Producer, added: “With our farming and rural backdrop we have an ideal setting, but it’s not all fluffy sheep and rolling landscapes.
“The countryside, just like an urban setting, can harbour the dark undercurrents of society. When Ray Walters and Celia Daniels first came to Emmerdale it was clear that both characters were not to be trusted.
“We have seen their manipulation of April Windsor and Dylan Penders, but this special stand alone episode featuring Bear ensnared in Modern Slavery, highlights the cruelty and control that these slave masters can exhibit.
“Bear is truly trapped in his situation and over a series of scenes you begin to understand a little more how this happened.”
She continued: “I don’t think the audience will ever like the character of Ray but hopefully there will be glimmers within this episode that make you realise he too is perhaps trapped in a world not of his making.
“We have been extremely grateful for the support we have received from The Salvation Army for Bear’s story but also the interlinked county lines drug story that we have been telling with April and Dylan.
“The Salvation Army has given Emmerdale invaluable help with the portrayal of these shocking, yet prevalent situations in our society.”
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV1 and STV or from 7am on ITVX and STV Player
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