Emmerdale’s Bear Wolf meets a tragic end in New Year’s Day shock twist
A shocking twist is set to unfold in Emmerdale on New Year’s Day as supervillain Celia Daniels takes a deadly turn. The character, played by Fiona Wade, murders Bear Wolf in harrowing scenes, while also attempting to kill April. The storyline has drawn attention to modern slavery—a theme actor Joshua Richards explored deeply before filming.
Joshua Richards, who portrays Bear Wolf, prepared for the role by speaking with the Salvation Army and meeting survivors of modern-day slavery. He wanted to understand the psychological toll of exploitation, especially for someone like Bear, whose struggle with depression may have left him vulnerable despite his physical strength.
The actor has since warned viewers about the realities of exploitation, praising Emmerdale for highlighting the issue. He also expressed hope that, with the right support, people can recover from such trauma. Meanwhile, Celia’s reign of terror doesn’t end with Bear’s death. Actress Jaye Griffiths, who plays the villain, has filmed her final scenes—but her character’s secrets and chaos will linger in the village long after her exit.
The New Year’s Day episode will mark a grim milestone for Emmerdale fans, as Bear Wolf becomes Celia’s latest victim. The storyline leaves behind unresolved tension, with Celia’s actions continuing to ripple through the village. Richards’ preparation and advocacy have also brought real-world urgency to the fictional drama.
