Emmerdale confirms modern slavery storyline as Bear's fate is finally revealed

Emmerdale are set to explore modern slavery in a new storyline for Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards).

The character disappeared into thin air in the summer, telling son Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) that he was going to stay with some friends in Ireland.

However, in scenes that aired this week, it transpired that he never made it to the Emerald Isle – and there are now serious concerns for his wellbeing and mental state.

On Monday, a special, standalone instalment will follow Bear's journey over the last few months and how he found himself in such appalling circumstances.

As Paddy and wife Mandy (Lisa Riley) begin their search, they're unaware that he's still extremely close to their village and living in a barn. Flashbacks will show how he was taken in by seemingly nice people, who offered him 'work' on their farm in exchange for lodgings on their property.

However, events soon take a sour turn and he finds himself at the mercy of his captors, with them controlling his every move. He's injured, frail, and unable to escape.

Speaking of his character's new plot, and the hidden existence of modern slavery in society, Richards 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."

He continued: "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.”

Producer Laura Shaw added, confirming who his captors are: “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 and Celia (Joe Absolom and Jaye Griffiths) first came to Emmerdale it was clear that both characters were not to be trusted. We have seen their manipulation of April and Dylan (Amelia Flanagan and Fred Kettle), 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.”

“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," she explained.

"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.”

Will Paddy be able to rescue Bear?

Read more:

• Emmerdale airs huge twist as character 'returns from the dead'
• Emmerdale confirms three special episodes - including Robert Sugden prison revelations and Bear mystery solved
• Emmerdale's Ryan Hawley teases Aaron's "explosive" reaction to Robert's secret husband – and backs surprise Kev story
• Chris Coghill reveals previous Emmerdale role and confirms true nature of new character Kev
• Emmerdale's Jaye Griffiths reveals future for Celia after shocking twist

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.

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