Emmerdale airs prison twist for Bear after ‘confession’ and fans aren’t happy
Emmerdale fans were devastated as Bear Wolf made an unexpected move during Monday's episode
Emmerdale has aired a worrying Bear Wolf prison twist, and viewers believe they’ve identified who’s responsible. ITV soap fans will recall that Bear (Joshua Richards) killed drug dealer Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) back in January, after he was held prisoner on Ray’s farm for months last year. Bear strangled Ray in a frantic attempt to protect his son, Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt), and youngster Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle), who were being threatened by the villain.
Paddy and Dylan attempted to conceal Bear’s actions, but the former wrestler ultimately contacted the police himself after experiencing guilt. Bear recently discharged himself from a mental health facility, with DS Walsh (Amanda Ryan) continuing to question him at the station on Monday (March 16).
During the latest instalment, which is now available to stream on ITVX, Bear found himself becoming distressed when DS Walsh disclosed that his wrestling background could suggest that he intentionally killed Ray. Until now, Bear has admitted to killing the villain in self-defence, reports the Daily Star.
Bear Wolf lied to the police (Image: ITV)
“After Mr Howelson’s assault on Jacob Sugden, and it’s similarities to the incident that caused Ray Walters’ death, we’ve reviewed both pathology reports,” the detective explained. “The latest conclusion is that the threshold for self-defence was passed.”
Following a barrage of questions, Bear ultimately lost control and lied to protect Paddy’s name, stating that he did kill Ray on purpose. DS Walsh said: “Mr Howelson, why don’t you tell the truth? It’s clear that you didn’t act alone,” with a frustrated Bear shouting: “I did, trust me!”
He then added: “It were me, all me. And it weren’t an accident neither, I knew exactly what I was doing… When I found Ray in the house and he went for me, that were the final straw. I wanted him dead. He was cruel and violent, so I finished him off. And if Jai [Sharma] hadn’t of taken the van, I’d have gotten away with it and all.”
Later, Bear’s solicitor, Zara Adams (Frog Stone), visited Paddy and his wife Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley), revealing that the CPS had upgraded the charge to murder following Bear’s admission.
DS Walsh led a tense interrogation (Image: ITV)
A shocked Dylan said: “He wouldn’t of said that! He thought Ray was his friend,” with the solicitor confirming that Bear had been very “emphatic”.
Paddy responded: “But that’s not right, he’ll have been confused… He lied, it was a lie!” Zara explained: “As far as the police are concerned, it’s a confession, but we’ll still try and make a case for self-defence. We’ll use that to try and persuade the judge to go for a minimum term, but it is a mandatory life sentence.” A tearful Paddy then said: “So, that’s it? After all this, my dad goes down for murder,” moments before the closing credits rolled.
Emmerdale viewers were left heartbroken upon discovering Bear’s false confession, with many holding Paddy responsible for failing to come clean from the outset. “Paddy and Dylan could have prevented this if they just told the truth straight after Ray died,” one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Paddy Kirk is worried about his dad (Image: ITV)
Another remarked: “It’s over for Paddy and Dylan.” A third commented: “Can’t believe Paddy is going to let his dad go down for this,” whilst another viewer voiced their frustration: “Honestly think this Bear/Paddy/Dylan [and] Ray’s murder is the most boring, drawn out storyline I can remember.”
Will Bear manage to escape a prison sentence? We’ll have to wait and see.
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV, and Coronation Street airs weekday nights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and STV as part of ITV’s new soap power hour scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale
