Emmerdale fans are discussing whether Thursday’s episode twist was a red herring, after Bear Wolf returned alive and killed villain Ray Walters in shocking scenes on the ITV soap
10:43, 23 Jan 2026Updated 10:44, 23 Jan 2026
Some Emmerdale fans there could be yet another Ray and Bear twist(Image: ITV)
Some Emmerdale fans think there could be yet another Ray and Bear twist, as the flashback week continued on Friday.
On Thursday night we found out Paddy Dingle’s father Bear was still alive, weeks after claims he was dead. Celia Daniels had told Ray she’d killed him, and he then killed her.
In a dramatic final showdown on Thursday, Ray turned on Paddy and teen Dylan Penders. Bear made his sudden return, as Paddy shouted to him that they needed help as Ray was going to kill them both.
Ray told Bear to wait outside ahead of his plan to flee, and it looked as though Bear was going to go but he suddenly returned to save Paddy. Taking violent action, he grabbed Ray and held his harm against his throat, trying to stop him from hurting anyone.
READ MORE: Emmerdale spoilers reveal what happens next after Bear kills Ray – with huge problemREAD MORE: Emmerdale’s Bear kills Ray: All the clues Bear was alive and would turn killer
Emmerdale fans are discussing whether Thursday’s episode twist was a red herring(Image: ITV)
Bear didn’t mean to kill Ray, but Ray suddenly stopped moving and slumped. The episode ended there, and on Friday spoilers revealed characters would face the grim task of moving the corpse.
We know that in present day, Ray’s body was supposedly found by police and his murder was confirmed. Also, prior to this a flashback showed his body being dragged and hidden in a sheet.
But some fans noticed that when Ray was killed onscreen, his eyes were closed. When his body was shown being dragged, the eyes were open.
Ray’s body was shown weeks ago(Image: ITV)
So some fans think Bear might not have been the real killer, and Ray died later on in scenes to air in the future. Some even wondered if the van was empty when the police claimed to find his body, and he could still be alive.
Taking to social media, one fan theorised: “So what if the three men in that room think that Bear killed Ray… but he’s not actually dead… yet. Just unconscious. And someone on Fridays episode actually kills Ray.
“But the three men in that room still think Bear killed Ray. The drama that could bring for those three over the next few months could be interesting!”
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They went on: “I think we’re going to find out that Celia’s not actually dead and she will eventually discover that Ray is alive… then she will kill him… then leave town leaving Bear to take the rap for his death.” Another fan said: “Exactly… that’s what I think.
“They trying to make us think it’s over then tomorrow night, there’ll be a twist in the narrative.” A third fan said: “In the clips Ray’s body was seen with his eyes open, he had his eyes closed tonight so maybe he’s not dead yet.”
A further fan responded: “Such a good observation!” as another said: “Ray isn’t dead. He has faked his own death.” One fan posted: “If Graham’s alive then Ray and Celia can be as well,” while another said: “I’m wondering if it was empty, and Ray is still alive. Couldn’t see a body.”
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