![\"Bear](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/EMBARGO_10_11_EMM_BEAR_03-514d.jpg\")
\n\t\tBear\u2019s situation is sadly all too common (Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tBear\u2019s situation is sadly all too common (Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n
He\u2019s been missing from Emmerdale for 100 days<\/a> and now viewers are set to get a deep insight into the harrowing world that Bear Wolf<\/a> (Joshua Richards<\/a>) has found himself immersed him. <\/p>\n Modern slavery is a common blight on society and is becoming more and more prevalent. <\/p>\n One of the most common types of it is forced labour, where vulnerable victims are lured into situations with kindness and false promises, manipulated and groomed and then made to work for no pay, with no escape. <\/p>\n This is what happens with Bear, who left the village under a cloud<\/a>, feeling depressed and useless as a man. <\/p>\n Taken in by Ray (Joe Absolom), he was given board, food and somewhere to rest and was treated sympathetically \u2013 Bear thought he had found a true friend but a special episode showing us the 100 days of Bear\u2019s life recently will reveal the ugly and heartbreaking truth.<\/p>\n Alone, sad, injured and controlled, Bear is trapped along with others, and viewers will get an insight into how this has happened to him. <\/p>\n Meanwhile, Paddy Kirk<\/a> (Dominic Brunt<\/a>) is desperate for news of his father, little knowing how close he actually is \u2013 and even fearing that he may be dead. <\/a><\/p>\n To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web His former life feels lost to Bear as Ray, led by crime<\/a> boss Celia Daniels<\/a> (Jaye Griffiths<\/a>), turns the screw, abuses him and continues to groom him. <\/p>\n The crime in the UK can take place almost anywhere, from farms and nail bars to factories and warehouses. <\/p>\n The soap has been working with The Salvation Army<\/a> to aid with the research and development of the story all along the way.<\/p>\n Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army said: \u2018Forced labour is one of the most hidden, but widespread forms of modern slavery in the UK today. <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019re thankful to Emmerdale for using this storyline to expose the brutal truth \u2013 people are being exploited in plain sight, from farms and factories to caf\u00e9s, car washes, homes and hotels. <\/p>\n \t\t \t\t \u2018Victims 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. <\/p>\n \u2018Storylines 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\u2019t feel right.\u2019<\/p>\n Actor Joshua Richards recently told me how privileged he is to take on such a meaty and hard-hitting storyline, adding that it\u2019s the kind of thing every actor wants. <\/p>\n On the announcement of the storyline, he explained: Joshua Richards, who plays Bear, also elaborates on his experience filming this special episode: \u2018It may surprise many people, but slavery is alive and well, indeed prospering in the modern world.<\/p>\n \u2018Not 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. <\/p>\n \u2018The disadvantaged, dispossessed, those with mental health<\/a> issues or disabilities, the old, lonely and vulnerable people that our society neglect are the perfect prey for grooming by unscrupulous criminal agencies.<\/p>\n \t\t \u2018I\u2019m very excited and honoured to be taking part in this to hopefully educate and highlight this abominable trade of human bondage.\u2019<\/p>\n Producer Laura Shaw, who has spearheaded the bold storyline, added: \u2018With our farming and rural backdrop we have an ideal setting, but it\u2019s not all fluffy sheep and rolling landscapes. The countryside, just like an urban setting, can harbour the dark undercurrents of society. <\/p>\n \u2018When 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. <\/p>\n \u2018Bear is truly trapped in his situation and over a series of scenes you begin to understand a little more how this happened.<\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n \u2018We have been extremely grateful for the support we have received from The Salvation Army for Bear\u2019s story, but also the interlinked county lines drug story that we have been telling with April and Dylan. <\/p>\n \u2018The Salvation Army has given Emmerdale invaluable help with the portrayal of these shocking, yet prevalent situations in our society.\u2019<\/p>\n If you suspect that someone you have come across is a victim of modern slavery and in need of help call The Salvation Army\u2019s 24\/7 free and confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733 or report your suspicions to the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline on 0800 0121 700 . If someone is in immediate danger call 999.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvideo<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Bear](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1762563792_166_10_11_emm_bear-45de.jpg\")
\n\t\tBear found himself consumed by depression and loneliness (Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n![\"Bear](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SEI_271318743-95be.jpg\")
\n\t\tPaddy is desperate for news on his missing dad (Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n![\"Ray](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/06_10_emm_ray-d10b.jpg\")
\n\t\tOrdered by Celia, Ray controls the slaves (Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n
\nMORE: Sick Celia and Ray\u2019s next victim confirmed in Emmerdale with character seriously injured<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: Emmerdale slapped with Ofcom complaints after harrowing April sex slavery scenes<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: All Emmerdale spoilers for next week as dark truths are revealed<\/a><\/p>\n