ITV/Comp Emmerdale Insider Share By Carena Crawford Jan 2 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 2 2026 Confusion over whether Bear is dead in Emmerdale as Ray cries over his body Ray is devastated by the apparent death Bear Wolf Ray Walters Share By Carena Crawford Jan 2 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 2 2026 Ding dong Celia Daniels is definitely dead in Emmerdale – but what about Bear Wolf? Friday’s episode (January 2) has left us further confused over his fate, did Celia really kill him? Ray was seen with Bear’s body – but only from a distance and only his hands. So does this really confirm Bear’s death? Or is there an other twist to come? Ray talked to his mum’s dead body (Credit: ITV) Ray killed Celia after Celia ‘killed’ Bear in Emmerdale On New Year’s Eve Ray had been tasked with murdering April while Celia was going to take care of Ted, aka Bear Wolf. Ray couldn’t go through with it, though, and let April run away, paying her to never come back. He confessed to Celia on New Year’s Day that he hadn’t killed April. He also put his foot down and told his mum Bear was not going to die. But Celia twisted the knife in: she’d already killed him and it was slow and painful. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Ray was heartbroken, but Celia thought she had reeled him back in, telling him no one would ever love him like she does. However the death of Bear was too much for Ray who wanted to break free and he stabbed Celia. As she fell to the ground she told him she was “proud” of him. At last the words he wanted to hear in the most awful of circumstances. We only saw Bear’s hand (Credit: ITV) So is Bear dead in Emmerdale? Tonight, Ray was talking to his dead mum’s body as she lay in a pool of blood on the floor. He told her this was his last chance to be someone and he needed her to be gone so he could protect Laurel. He said he didn’t feel grief or guilt, “all I feel is free”. So Celia is definitely dead then. Phew. As Ray packed to leave, he went to the barn to see Bear’s body. He stood in the doorway and told him he was sorry as he sobbed. But he never actually got close to him. All we could see was some boots and then a hand. We did not see Bear. And we definitely did not see him dead. In a recent interview, Joshua Richards who plays Bear didn’t give much away, but he did say: “ITV can feel justified in saying, yes, we can end this now, because the viewing public are fed up with these people and the terrible acts they are committing. “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Joe Absolom and with Jaye Griffiths who are both great actors and I do miss them now. As they’ve gone. But for the storyline, I think everybody in the village has nothing but benefits from their demise.” He added: “I’ve enjoyed the process. Although it’s been harrowing and it’s ongoing. But everybody from the top to the bottom, has been nothing but supportive and brilliant at what they do. I’m very proud to be a part of it.” Is the use of the word “ongoing” a major hint Bear is not dead yet? Fans are certainly confused! “If Bear actually died off screen I swear,” said one. Others asked: “So is that Bear dead then?” and “Is Bear actually dead? Noooo!” Bear has not been located next week (Credit: ITV) Spoilers show he’s still missing Ray has now lost everything. Dylan told Laurel the whole sordid tale tonight. Ray went to see her and she told him to leave, he was totally in denial that they could start a future and be together, now Celia was dead. Marlon also went to confront Ray over missing April and Ray told him to leave – April was gone and was never coming back. So Ray really is on the ropes. And if he wants a chance at all with Laurel, maybe he had to tell Paddy where Bear really is. As Paddy learns the truth next week about where his dad has been, he tells April and Dylan is it not their fault. Ongoing spoilers reveal Bear is still nowhere to be seen, however. Ray didn’t appear to bury his body, he just seemed to leave the building with a single bag. So why can no one find Bear? Did Ray return and give him a dignified burial? Or is Bear actually alive and has staggered off somewhere alone and vulnerable? Just where is Bear? And is he really dead? Also in Emmerdale on Friday January 2 The drama over Bear wasn't the only action in Emmerdale tonight as Robert and Aaron fought off John... Robert got the upper hand Robert and Aaron woke in the flat tied to the staircase. They couldn't break free and Aaron decided he needed to trick John into believing he still loved him. John was lying in wait at Victoria's house for his sister, who was horrified to see him. John promised not to harm her, but told her what he was going to do wouldn't hurt a bit... When John came back, Aaron tried to convince him he wanted to get back with him. But John didn't buy it. He told him the only way to prove it was to kill Robert and free them of him once and for all. Aaron refused and begged John to let them leave together - and to let Robert live. But Robert had managed to break free and flew at John. However, John got the upper hand and insisted to Aaron he was 'putting his foot down' and killing Robert. But while John's back was turned, Robert managed to get hold of the gun and aimed it squarely at John. "When I shoot, I never miss," he said. Mack discovered the truth in Emmerdale tonight Mack woke up snuggled with Ross! Mack confided in Ross what Vanessa has said about the baby. He then went home to ask Charity. Charity swore it was Sarah and Jacob's baby. Charity lied that Vanessa was obsessed with her and making it up to try and drive a wedge between them. But Ross had joined the dots and wanted a word with Charity. Vanessa then went round to see Mack and apologise, but when Mack told her what Charity had said, Vanessa hit back. She told him everything - including about the visit to the clinic. But she persisted in spelling it out that the baby was Mack's - with no inclination it could be Ross's. Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Good to Know Share By Carena Crawford Jan 2 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 2 2026 Previous Story Next Story
