Bear to focus in a special standalone episode airing on Monday 10th November.’It may surprise many people, but slavery is alive & well, indeed prospering in the modern world.’
Emmerdale tonight (7th November) revealed Bear’s fate in the closing moments of the episode, with it now being known he is trapped – once again, Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) are behind it.
Working closely with The Salvation Army, Emmerdale producers, writers and researchers have collaborated from the outset to ensure an authentic portrayal of forced labour and its devastating impact.
When Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) realises that his father never made it to Ireland, his concern quickly turns to fear. Unbeknownst to Paddy, Bear is living on the edge of society, trapped by those who promised him work and shelter.
Joshua Richards, who plays Bear, explained: ‘Not 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 right under our very noses. The disadvantaged, dispossessed, those with mental health issues or disabilities, the old, lonely, and vulnerable people that our society neglects are the perfect prey for grooming by unscrupulous criminal agencies. I’m very excited and honored to be taking part in this to hopefully educate and highlight this abominable trade of human bondage.’
Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, said: ‘Forced labour is one of the most hidden, but widespread forms of modern slavery in the UK today. We’re thankful to Emmerdale for using this storyline to expose the brutal truth – people are being exploited in plain sight, from farms and factories to cafés, car washes, homes and hotels.’
‘Victims 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. Storylines 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’t feel right.’
Producer Laura Shaw praised the show’s collaboration with The Salvation Army and explained why the Yorkshire setting was the perfect backdrop for such a vital story: ‘With our farming and rural backdrop we have an ideal setting, but it’s not all fluffy sheep and rolling landscapes. The countryside, just like an urban setting, can harbour the dark undercurrents of society. When 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. Bear is truly trapped in his situation and over a series of scenes you begin to understand a little more how this happened.’
Laura also added: ‘I don’t 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. We have been extremely grateful for the support we have received from The Salvation Army for Bear’s story, but also the interlinked county lines drug story that we have been telling with April and Dylan. The Salvation Army has given Emmerdale invaluable help with the portrayal of these shocking, yet prevalent situations in our society.’
Spoilers for next week have revealed that Matty takes the kids, Isaac and Eve, for a walk, and during a ‘Bear hunt,’ Eve shouts out to Matty that she’s seen Bear. While the rest of the family believes she is confused, could Bear have really been seen, and is there a glimmer of hope for his escape?
Emmerdale continues Monday at 7.30pm on ITV1
[…] we the viewers know just how nasty they are – from (kidnap) to (slavery), a little closer to home in the village, the pair have stayed looking mostly […]