Emmerdale viewers were left 'devastated' after a tragic twist for fan favourite Bear Wolf on Friday night's episode of the ITV soap. The former professional wrestler, played by Joshua Richards, has been struggling with his mental health since killing Ray Walters in self-defence after being held in modern slavery.
In the latest episode, Bear tried to obtain painkillers from GP Manpreet Sharma, but she refused due to his history of being given opium while enslaved. Turning to alcohol, an angry Bear injured himself by punching a mirror and went to hospital. There, he begged student doctor Jacob Gallagher for painkillers, but Jacob reminded him he could not prescribe them. Enraged, Bear grabbed Jacob in the same wrestling hold he used to kill Ray.
Jacob kicked a trolley, startling Bear into releasing him. Bear's son Paddy and wife Mandy arrived, telling Bear the police were on their way. Doctor Todd later confronted Jacob, angrily accusing him of ignoring protocols and threatening to remove him from the course. Overwhelmed, Jacob broke down in the toilet.
In the final moments, Paddy and Mandy realised Bear had vanished without his phone. The episode ended with Bear wandering through the city alone. Fans took to social media, with one praising Joshua Richards' performance and hoping Bear gets sectioned for help. Another compared it to a previous storyline about April living on the streets.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
