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Emmerdale is set to air a special standalone about ‘modern slavery’ episode as Bear Wolf’s ‘abominable’ fate was revealed. The ITV soap has been asking the question of ‘Where’s Bear’ this week after Joshua Richards’ character disappeared several months ago. Paddy Kirk’s father , Bear was last seen travelling off in his hire car over three months ago. However, Paddy learned this week that was missing and not safe in Ireland as he thought Feeling guilty that he and his left things on bad terms, Paddy and his wife Mandy (Lisa Riley) have been on a mission to track down Bear’s whereabouts. In scenes aired on Friday night (November 7), Paddy was encouraged by Mandy to open a parcel delivered to their house which was addressed to Bear. The parcel contained a letter from Bear’s friend Gnasher, who he was meant to be staying with, asking if he was okay as he hadn't heard from him in a while. While Paddy got the police involved, it was revealed to fans that Bear is being kept in a locked room on Celia Daniels’ (Jaye Griffiths) farm, which Paddy had just been to during his search earlier in the day. Bear’s reveal came when Anya (Alia Al-Shabibi) was thrown into the same room as him by Celia and Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) for trying to escape their home in a shocking cliffhanger. ITV have now confirmed that on Monday (November 10) an episode will delve into the insidious world of modern slavery. An Emmerdale spokesperson said: “In collaboration with The Salvation Army, Emmerdale has worked with the charity from the outset, ensuring the programme’s producers, writers and researchers have been authentically informed to aid this heartbreaking portrayal of an elderly white man who quickly finds himself trapped.” Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, noted that ‘forced labour is one of the most hidden, but widespread forms of modern slavery in the UK today’. “We’re thankful to Emmerdale for using this storyline to expose the brutal truth - people are being exploited in plain sight, from farms and factories to cafés, car washes, homes and hotels. “Victims are often isolated, threatened, and made to feel they have no way out. But there is a way out with the right, compassionate support, recovery is possible. “Storylines like this, delivered with attention to detail and authenticity, help the public recognise what modern slavery really looks like and how vital it is to act when something doesn’t feel right,” she said. Seeking to highlight the ‘plight of the forgotten’, former fighter Bear is said to be ‘living on the edge of society’, with his circumstances making him believe he is ‘a million miles from reconnecting with his family and his past’. Flashbacks will show how Bear was first taken in by seemingly kind people and offered 'work' in exchange for board and lodgings. However, it becomes clear this is manipulation at its most extreme. The Emmerdale spokesperson added: “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.” Bear actor Joshua said the storyline will ‘surprise many people to see that ‘slavery is alive and well’ 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,” he noted. Emmerdale Producer Laura Shaw stated: “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 first came to Emmerdale it was clear that both characters were not to be trusted. We have seen their manipulation of April and Dylan, 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. “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
