Paddy Kirk is finally realizing his dad, Bear Wolf, has been missing for months, and a new Emmerdale trailer is dropping major hints. Get ready for some answers!

TL;DR: The Bear Wolf Lowdown

  • Paddy Kirk has just discovered his dad, Bear Wolf, has been missing for over three months, not enjoying a trip to Ireland.
  • A brand-new Emmerdale promotional trailer has dropped, teasing Bear's actual, mysterious whereabouts.
  • Get ready for a "harrowing" and "soap first" storyline, with a special standalone episode this month exploring Bear's 100 missing days.
The Long Summer of Absence and a Troubling Secret

So, we all know how Emmerdale loves a good mystery, right? Well, they've been cooking up a big one for a while, revolving around Paddy Kirk's larger-than-life dad, Bear Wolf (played by the brilliant Joshua Richards). You might remember Bear setting off in a hire car over three months ago, back in July, telling Paddy he was off to stay with some old wrestling pals in Ireland. Paddy, naturally, thought he was safe and sound, just enjoying a long break from village drama.

But here's the kicker: viewers have known all along that Bear never actually made it to the Emerald Isle. Instead, we last saw him living out of his car, completely off the grid. It's been a tense secret, knowing that poor Paddy has been oblivious to his dad's true predicament for all this time. Now, the truth is finally about to hit home in a big way.

Paddy's Alarming Realization and Gut-Wrenching Guilt

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This week, the penny drops for Paddy (Dominic Brunt), and it's going to be a tough pill to swallow. His first major clue comes when a parcel arrives addressed to Bear. Curiosity, or perhaps a growing unease, leads Paddy to open it. The contents quickly reveal that Bear's story about Ireland was a complete fabrication. He wasn't there; he was gone.

The realization sends Paddy into a panic. He starts ringing around Bear's old contacts, but everyone he speaks to draws a blank. No one has seen or heard from him. The alarm bells truly start ringing when Paddy considers his granddaughter Eve's birthday – a day Bear would never miss contacting her for. This absence confirms his worst fears: his dad is genuinely missing.

Adding to Paddy's distress is a heavy dose of guilt. Bear and Paddy didn't exactly part on the best terms. Before Bear left, Paddy had worried about his father's erratic behaviour and even suggested he might be suffering from dementia. This led to harsh words, and Bear left feeling angry and misunderstood. Now, with Bear's mental state already in question, Paddy is racked with worry, desperate to know his dad is okay and to make amends.

Mandy Dingle Steps Up in the Search for Bear

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Thankfully, Paddy isn't alone in this burgeoning crisis. His wife, Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley), is right there by his side, ready to help him try and track Bear down. Mandy’s practical nature and unwavering support will be crucial as they delve deeper into the mystery of Bear’s disappearance. Together, they'll navigate the frustration of dead ends and the mounting anxiety, determined to uncover what really happened to Bear Wolf.

"I think it’s quite a major subject which is being touched on. I did a play with John Godber a few years ago where we actually took on this subject. It was riveting and quite profound, upsetting, and also full of alarming facts. So I think it’s going to be an excellent storyline to take on because I haven’t seen anybody take it on before."

— Joshua Richards (Bear Wolf)

A "Soap First" Storyline Unveils a Harrowing Reality

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If you're wondering just how significant this storyline is, show bosses have been teasing it for months. Producer Laura Shaw confirmed back in May that Bear's disappearance would take centre stage in a "major storyline." She hinted that when Bear returns, we'll see "a very different Bear in a really different situation," leaving everyone asking, "What the hell has happened here?"

What makes this even more compelling is the promise that it's a "soap first." Joshua Richards, who plays Bear, described the subject as "riveting," "profound," and "upsetting," full of "alarming facts" that he hasn't seen tackled on television before. Lisa Riley echoed this, calling it "harrowing viewing" but "really important," suggesting that Emmerdale is once again using its platform to shed light on significant social issues.

While the exact nature of the "sad but common situation that older people often become trapped in" is still under wraps, these descriptions indicate a powerful and impactful narrative. Emmerdale has a strong history of tackling difficult subjects with sensitivity and realism, and this storyline promises to be no exception, aiming to inform and resonate with viewers across the country.

The New Promotional Trailer Drops Strong Hints About Bear's Location

To crank up the suspense even more, ITV recently dropped a brand-new promotional trailer for the 'Where is Bear?' mystery. Airing after Trigger Point, this teaser is designed to give viewers some tantalizing clues about Bear's actual whereabouts without giving everything away just yet. The promo shows Paddy and Mandy trying to piece together the puzzle, with quick cuts and atmospheric shots hinting at the difficult circumstances Bear might be facing.

While we'll still need to tune into the episodes to get the full picture, these trailers are expertly crafted to get fans speculating and debating online. What do the hints mean? Where could Bear possibly be? The discussions are already buzzing, proving that Emmerdale knows how to keep its audience gripped!

Looking Ahead: The Special Episode and Bear's 100 Missing Days

The good news for fans eager for answers is that they won't have to wait too long. Emmerdale has confirmed that a special standalone episode is set to air this month. This harrowing episode will delve into Bear's 100 missing days, exploring exactly what happened to him since he left the village. It's expected to be a powerful and moving instalment, giving us an insight into the "sad but common situation" that older people can find themselves in.

This dedicated episode format allows the show to focus entirely on Bear's experience, providing a deeper and more impactful exploration of the storyline. It's a testament to the importance and gravity of the subject matter that Emmerdale is dedicating an entire episode to shedding light on this crucial issue.

Keeping Up With Emmerdale: Where and When to Watch

With such a compelling and significant storyline unfolding, you won't want to miss a single moment. Emmerdale airs on weeknights, so you can get your dose of Dales drama regularly. If you're a night owl or prefer to watch on your own schedule, streaming is also a great option.

  • On TV: Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30 PM on ITV1 and STV.
  • Streaming: You can catch episodes earlier, streaming from 7:00 AM on ITVX and STV Player.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Emmerdale Bear Wolf Storyline

When does Paddy find out Bear is missing in Emmerdale?

Paddy Kirk realizes his dad, Bear Wolf, is missing this week in Emmerdale episodes, after discovering he never made it to Ireland as he claimed.

Where can I watch the "Where is Bear?" trailer?

The new promotional trailer for the 'Where is Bear?' storyline recently aired on ITV, typically after shows like Trigger Point. You can often find these promos on ITV's official social media channels or their website.

What is the special Emmerdale episode about?

A special standalone episode will air this month, focusing entirely on Bear Wolf's 100 missing days. It's set to explore a "harrowing" and "sad but common situation that older people often become trapped in."

When does Emmerdale air and where can I stream it?

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7:30 PM on ITV1 and STV. You can stream new episodes earlier, from 7:00 AM, on ITVX and STV Player.

Sources
  • ITV (as cited in various articles)
  • EverySoap
  • Entertainment Daily Fix