ITV Share By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 Is Bear dead? Confusion continues after show boss 'confirms' his fate Fans won't believe that Bear has been killed Bear Wolf Celia Daniels Ray Walters Share By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw has seemingly confirmed that Bear Wolf is dead. But despite this, fans refuse to believe it and confusion remains. After Celia confessed to murdering Bear viewers weren’t sure if she actually had or was just saying it to upset Ray. And now there’s even more bafflement following the latest update. We only saw Bear’s hand when Ray visited his body (Credit: ITV) Bear killed by Celia in Emmerdale – or so she said 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. It was too much for Ray who then stabbed Celia to death. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Ray then 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. Fans were confused, asking: “So is that Bear dead then?” and “Is Bear actually dead? Noooo!” Bear had no way out (Credit: ITV) Emmerdale boss confirms Bear is dead Speaking earlier this week, show producer Laura Shaw seemed to say for definite that Bear is dead. “While Paddy is still out searching for his missing father, the bleak truth is that Bear has been killed by the villainous Celia,” she revealed as she talked about upcoming spoilers for 2026. “This emotional search and tragic discovery will bring Paddy’s mental health problems back to the forefront.” That sounds pretty clear cut to us: Bear is no more. Viewers are convinced Bear has survived (Credit: ITV) Fans don’t believe it Writing on Emmerdale Insider’s Facebook page, however, viewers insisted they think this is a red herring. There were multiple cries of: “He’s not dead!” Others theorised: “I don’t think he’s dead. There’s a a fresh grave next to Anya I think Celia’s in it and Bear has gone walk about.” Another agreed: “I really don’t think [he’s dead] he’s escaped and I fear he has dementia and doesn’t know where he is or how to get home.” “He isn’t dead… Bear is strong,” insisted another. Joshua Richards plays Bear (Credit: ITV) What has Joshua Richards said? 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 after all? Bear has not still been located next week (Credit: ITV) Spoilers show he’s still missing Ongoing spoilers reveal Bear is still nowhere to be found. The search is looking futile and the police warn Paddy he must prepare for the worst. So who is in that recently dug grave? Celia or Bear? Did Ray return and give him a dignified burial before he himself was killed? Or is Bear actually alive and has staggered off somewhere alone and vulnerable? Just where is Bear? And is he really dead? Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Good to Know Share By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 8 2026 Previous Story Next Story
