Emmerdale icon teases "never done before" storyline to run into 2026 - and hints at Christmas drama
Lots of drama to come!
Lisa Riley has teased a unique new storyline currently being filmed on Emmerdale, as well as hinting what's to come for the festive period and beyond.
Speaking to The Sun at the Inside Soap Awards 2025, the actress, who stars as Mandy Dingle in the ITV soap, has promised we're about to find out what's happened to her character's father-in-law Bear Wolf (played by Joshua Richards).
"You’re going to find out [where Bear's been]," Riley said.
"It’s going to straggle over the whole of Christmas and into the New Year and it’s a storyline that’s never been done before.
"When we got the script, we were told months ago, it’s something really exciting. That’s so good about soaps, we’ve planned loads of things to knock you off kilter.
"We tackled Paddy’s suicide before and that probed people to liken it to what’s happened to Bear. Is that the truth? It might be a complete curveball," she teased.
She added: "That’s why we’re lucky with our writers, they’re dropping stuff on purpose to knock you off kilter."
After upsetting son Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) with his erratic behaviour, Bear was last seen in July, living in his car despite claiming to Paddy that he would be staying with a friend in Ireland.
What could have happened to Bear?
While we're waiting to find out, Riley also gave us something to think about regarding this year's Christmas instalment of the long-running serial drama.
"Vicky Thomas who directed [the] big ice crash, is directing Christmas Day, so that speaks for itself."
Back in February, Riley's character was caught up in the chaos when a limousine crashed into the frozen lake, leading to the deaths of Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi), Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough) and Amy Barton (Natalie Ann Jamieson).
Meanwhile, Emmerdale is set to join forces with Coronation Street for an epic crossover episode.
"There is a LOT of action happening. I can’t say [if I’m going to be part of it]," Riley explained.
So much to look forward to!
Read more:
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- 6 Emmerdale spoilers next week: Charity Dingle plans secret termination over baby DNA results
- Emmerdale teases Robert Sugden twist amid surprise Aaron Dingle scenes in ITVX release
- Emmerdale fans "in for a ride" with Robert Sugden twist as star prepares to exit
- Emmerdale airs big character exit in villain plot – will he be back?
- 5 Emmerdale spoilers: John Sugden's next targets revealed as Cain Dingle wants revenge
- Emmerdale star teases John Sugden "twists and turns" as Aaron and Robert remain in danger
- Is John Sugden an imposter in Emmerdale as villain's comeuppance draws closer?
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.
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Authors
Laura Denby is a Freelance Soaps writer covering all the latest news in the Dales, Cobbles and East End for Radio Times. She's a soaps nerd with a love for comedy drama, and has also written for Digital Spy, Metro UK and Yahoo UK.
