Trouble for Paddy as Bear has escaped but Emmerdale viewers all have the same complaint
Viewers want it to endEmmerdale has aired quite the shock for Paddy, as he discovered Bear escaped out the window. But it seems viewers aren’t too impressed.
Last week, it was shockingly revealed that Bear was actually alive, and was the one to kill Ray. For the last few weeks, Paddy and Dylan have been keeping him locked in a cottage, while pretending they have no idea where he is.
But tonight (January 26) that all changed. Bear has escaped – but Emmerdale viewers all have one big complaint about the storyline.
What happened tonight in Emmerdale?
Paddy continued to lie to everyone, pretending that Bear was still missing. And when he had a conversation with DS Walsh, he started to feel hopeful. She informed him that they are interested in speaking to Celia in connection to Ray’s murder. But what they don’t know, is that Celia was already dead.
Later, Paddy headed back to the cottage, where Dylan had been trying to get Bear to understand their story. But after a few minutes alone with his dad, Paddy knew Bear still wasn’t okay.
However, as time goes on, Paddy started to wonder what the difference is between what Ray was doing and him keeping Bear locked away. Bear plead with them to let him tell someone, but Paddy snapped and told him that was the one thing he can not do.
After arguing with Mandy on the phone, Paddy went back to see Bear again. Only this time, he returned to find Bear’s room empty – and the window wide open.
Viewers have the same complaint over Bear and Paddy storyline
However, while everyone is thrilled that Bear isn’t really dead, many feel like there was no need to cover everything up. And instead of moving on, Emmerdale is now unnecessarily continuing the storyline.
Taking to Reddit, one fan penned: “If the police were told, the self-defence case for Bear would be incredibly strong. First of all, Paddy and Dylan were both injured and everyone’s DNA would be on the hammer. It was also in Paddy’s house, which Ray was not invited into. It wouldn’t need to be proven that Ray killed Celia, but it would help.
“The mental health grounds would also be very strong. Given Bear’s cognitive issues caused by the depression and the modern slavery stuff, it would fly easily with the court of law.”
Another agreed: “This is why I stopped watching a while back. It’s going to be this big thing, which it didn’t need to be. It’s just infuriating. Why did Paddy listen to Dylan? He should have reassured him that no court would convict Bear of murder given the circumstances.”
“Dylan was an idiot. No court would convict Bear. He would end up maybe in a mental health facility. And he would get good care. Instead, Emmerdale have kept it going by having Paddy lock him up in another room,” a frustrated fan wrote.
But now that Bear is free, could the storyline finally be coming to an end? Or is there more heartbreak around the corner?
Rivals series 2 isn't over yet: 5 game-changing revelations teased for episode 7 and beyond after Disney+ confirms November return
As well as confirming a brand new character will join the cast with a heartbreaking connection to Monica, the streaming service has given us lots of clues about our favourite TV characters.
After the tragic events in episode 6, fans were left with some hope about the future of the Baddinghams. But their worst fears have now been confirmed...
Here's everything we know about the next batch of Rivals series 2 episodes, starting with episode 7 in November.
***Warning: spoilers from Rivals series 2 episode 6 ahead***
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Monica's funeral will take place in Rivals series 2 episode 7 (Credit: Disney+)[/caption]
Rivals series 2 episode 7: Monica did die in the car accident
The teaser trailer for Rivals series 2 episode 7 and beyond (see below) confirms that Monica did die during the storm in episode 6. Although some fans were hopeful that she may have survived, the first look at the new episodes shows Lord Tony Baddingham and his brother Bas at her funeral. Although we did not see the wreckage or her body, sadly the character is dead.
Rivals killed off Monica Baddingham in devastating scenes at the end of episode 6. And her husband Tony has blood on his hands. Although he didn't kill her, he was the reason she drove into a storm. Having discovered her husband was having an affair with Maud O'Hara, something inside Monica broke. But it finally gave her the strength to leave him. And we all gave a collective whoop of joy as she told him some home truths.
But our elation soon turned to tears when Monica got in her car to drive Caitlin home, with the intention of telling Declan about his wife Maud's affair. Tragically, she didn't make it to the O'Hara's house. A tree fell on the car while she was driving, killing her instantly. Luckily, Caitlin was able to escape the car relatively unharmed.
Tony has nothing to lose now
Of course, viewers know that Monica was Tony's rock. So it's anyone's guess how he will behave from now on. Despite his constant philandering, he loved her.
In the first look at Rivals series 2 episode 7 and beyond, Tony is seen saying: "I've got nothing left to do but fight."
Without Monica, who grounded him, Tony is likely to be more evil than ever as the series returns in November. Tony Baddingham will face off with his rival in love and war Declan O'Hara.
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Tony is sombre in black at his wife's funeral (Credit: Disney+)[/caption]
Rivals series 2 episode 7: Monica's sister arrives
The teaser also introduces new cast member Araminta Pemberton, played by Rachael Stirling (who recently appeared in Believe Me). Araminta is Lady Monica Baddingham's "vampish" younger sister.
She's glamorous, gorgeous, and no-nonsense. She's bound to cause a stir amongst the characters, and we suspect she'll have a few choice words to say to her brother-in-law Tony.
Freddie and Lizzie: 'Someone close to us can't be trusted'
In episode 6 of Rivals series 2, Lizzie and Freddie gave in to their feelings for each other. And their secret relationship continues to simmer to boiling point in the upcoming episodes.
New images show the pair giving each other sex eyes across a dance floor. But we also see Freddie warn Lizzie: "Someone close to us can't be trusted."
Who could he mean?
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Racheal Stirling joins the cast of Rivals as Araminta Pemberton (Credit: Disney+)[/caption]
Bas and Taggie are a thing!
The signs were there – Taggie and Bas were attracted to each other. Although we know Taggie's heart belongs to Rupert, she can't stand around waiting for him to stop bonking Cameron.
In the upcoming Rivals series 2 episode 7 and beyond, Taggie and Bas get much closer. And are seen holding hands at a posh function. However, it's clear Rupert is jealous and realises what he's risking.
Later, we witness Rupert punching Bas in dramatic scenes.
Cameron, who also loves Rupert (but not as much as she loves herself), tells him: "If you keep on like this, you'll run out of hearts to break."
Disney+ tell us: "Rupert Campbell-Black is forced to confront his own personal demons." Meanwhile, Taggie O'Hara "must find the courage to follow her heart".
When will Rivals series 2 return with episode 7?
Disney+ has now confirmed that the hit series Rivals will return with six new episodes in November. Following the shocking turn of events in the sixth episode, the residents of Rutshire are "rocked by tragedy, scandal and betrayal as the battle between Venturer and Corinium reaches breaking point".
An official teaser trailer for the second batch of episodes (see below) offered a glimpse of the drama still to come in series 2 – including the sad funeral of Monica.
Disney+ tell us: "As Tony Baddingham and Declan O'Hara's contest for the Cotswolds crown hits a fever pitch, Rupert Campbell-Black is forced to confront his own personal demons.
"Across hedonistic parties, Bonfire Night chaos, the Hampshire Hunt Ball and a turbulent Christmas, affairs unravel, alliances fracture and rivalries intensify. Caught in the middle of the frenzied franchise battle, Taggie O'Hara must find the courage to follow her heart while everyone else faces the consequences of ambition, power and secrets that they can no longer hide."
The teaser also introduces new cast member Rachael Stirling as Araminta Pemberton, who recently appeared in Believe Me. Araminta is Lady Monica Baddingham's vampish younger sister.
The new episodes also see the introduction of Gone's Rupert Evans as erudite headmaster David Hawkley. Lastly, Big Little Lies' Santiago Cabrera will join the cast as Argentinian Polo legend Alejandro Mendoza.
Read more: Is Rivals based on a true story, and real person Rupert Campbell-Black is heavily inspired by
Rivals series 1 and series 2 are currently available to watch on Disney+, with another six episodes released in November 2026.
Read more: 5 reasons Emmerdale fans are convinced Joe Tate is about to die
