SERIAL DRAMA SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN - INFORMING BRITAIN by @AndyGibsonTV

SPOILERS: BEAR WOLF OPENS UP ON ABUSE WHILE VINNY DINGLE AND LEWIS FIND ROMANCE AMID FARM HEROICS | INFORMING BRITAIN ON EMMERDALE

16/2/2026

Next week's Emmerdale delves into heartfelt revelations as Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) supports Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) through his trauma.

After locating Bear, Aaron shares his own abuse experiences, encouraging Bear to absolve himself of blame.

Bear remains steadfast, needing the full story to judge.

In lighter news, Ross Barton's (Michael Parr) matchmaking pays off for Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) and Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches).

Amid the euphoria of the sheep rescue, Vinny finds himself kissing Lewis.

But a hasty exit from Lewis leaves Vinny fearing rejection.

These Emmerdale scenes air across the week beginning Monday 23 February 2026 on ITV1 / STV / ITV1 HD / STV HD and will stream on ITVX / STV Player.

SPOILERS: LAUREL HOSPITALISED AMID BEAR WOLF DRINKING DRAMA | INFORMING BRITAIN ON EMMERDALE

16/2/2026

The burial of abuser Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) brings buried demons to the surface.

Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) grapples with emotions, while Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy), tormented by guilt, arranges for vicar Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) to attend the service.

Despite initial hesitation, Laurel joins him alongside Claudette Anderson (Flo Wilson).

Secrecy crumbles when Claudette accidentally informs Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards), who insists on attending despite protests.

Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) erupts upon learning, fearing it will shatter Bear anew.

Bear's rage confirms the damage, spiralling him into despair and a desperate plea for painkillers, which Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) denies.

Laurel comforts a drinking Bear, vowing support, but son Arthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke) lashes out over her attendance, accidentally shoving her down the stairs.

Laurel is rushed to a local Medical Facility by ambulance after the shocking fall, where doctors examine her for possible injuries including bruises and a potential concussion.

As she receives treatment, Arthur's secret teeters on exposure.

Bear, craving relief, fakes an injury for medical help, will his pain be addressed?

These Emmerdale scenes air across the week beginning Monday 23 February 2026 on ITV1 / STV / ITV1 HD / STV HD and will stream on ITVX / STV Player.

SPOILERS: CAIN DINGLE AND GRAHAM FOSTER FORM SHOCK ALLIANCE AMID CANCER SECRET AND TATE FEUD | INFORMING BRITAIN ON EMMERDALE

16/2/2026

In a surprising twist next week on Emmerdale, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) and Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) appear to bury the hatchet after a tense confrontation.

Last week, Cain, aided by daughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill), swiped Joe Tate's (Ned Porteous) luxury car, prompting Joe to enlist Graham for payback. But Graham's mission takes an unexpected turn when he sneaks into The Dingles Family's home and discovers Cain's oncology letter, revealing his secret battle with cancer.

Overpowered by Graham due to his exhaustion, Cain later receives an olive branch from his rival.

Graham urges Cain to confide in wife Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) and prioritise his health over warring withT The Tates, leading to a handshake of mutual respect.

However, Kim Tate (Claire King) spies the moment and suspects they're conspiring.

The drama escalates as Kim pushes Joe to test Graham's loyalty by sabotaging Cain's farm equipment.

Meanwhile, Sarah pushes for more car thefts, but Cain plans a solo job to protect her, though her Dingle spirit might prove unstoppable. With finances crumbling and health woes mounting, Cain's world is on the brink.

These Emmerdale scenes air across the week beginning Monday 23 February 2026 on ITV1 / STV / ITV1 HD / STV HD and will stream on ITVX / STV Player.

EMMERDALE: MODERN SLAVERY IS FOCUS IN NEW HORROR STORYLINE ARC FOR BEAR WOLF | EMMERDALE SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

7/11/2025

The long-running ITV / STV Serial Drama, Emmerdale, is poised to address the pressing issue of Modern Slavery in a special standalone episode scheduled for broadcast on Monday 10 November 2025, as confirmed with Informing Britain by an ITV insider.

The instalment will explore the insidious nature of Modern Slavery, developed in close collaboration with The Salvation Army.

The charity has provided guidance to the programme's producers, writers, and researchers from the outset, ensuring an authentic depiction of the harrowing experience faced by an elderly white man who becomes ensnared in exploitation.

Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, commented:

"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."

In the episode, Paddy Dingle (portrayed by Dominic Brunt) grows increasingly concerned when he realises his father, Bear Wolf (played by Joshua Richards), has not arrived in Ireland as expected.

Having had no contact for months following a period of familial tension, Paddy sets out to locate him and mend their relationship.

The narrative uncovers Bear Wolf's dire predicament, underscoring the vulnerability of those on society's margins.

Although Bear Wolf remains geographically close to his former life in Emmerdale Village, his circumstances render reconnection seemingly impossible.

Through a series of flashbacks, viewers will see how Bear Wolf, a once-strong family man and fighter/wrestler, was initially drawn in by ostensibly benevolent individuals offering work in exchange for board and lodgings.

This quickly escalates into extreme manipulation, leaving him injured, frail, and wholly dependent on his captors, isolated from any hope of escape.

Joshua Richards, who embodies Bear Wolf, shared his reflections on the project:

"It may surprise many people, but slavery is alive and well, indeed prospering in the modern world. 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 under our very own 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 honoured to be taking part in this to hopefully educate and highlight this abominable trade of human bondage."

Emmerdale Series Producer Laura Shaw, added:

"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 standalone 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 Shaw, continues:

"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."

Modern Slavery constitutes a grave and escalating crime impacting thousands across the United Kingdom.

It occurs when individuals are deprived of their freedom and exploited for personal or commercial gain, encompassing Forced Labour, Human Trafficking, Sexual Exploitation, or coerced criminality.

Victims are frequently deceived, intimidated, or physically compelled into such scenarios, often too fearful to seek assistance.

Forced Labour, one of the most prevalent forms, involves individuals being compelled to work under duress, deception, or threat, typically with minimal or no remuneration, substandard living conditions, confiscated documents, and warnings of harm or arrest should they attempt to flee.

Such exploitation pervades everyday environments, including farms, factories, car washes, construction sites, nail bars, restaurants, and private residences.

According to official figures, Labour Exploitation represented approximately 41 per cent of adult referrals to the United Kingdom Government's National Referral Mechanism (NRM) in 2023, the system designed to identify and aid victims.

Migrant Help and the Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) provide the Scottish Government's funded Support Services for adult victims of Human Trafficking and exploitation in Scotland, offering crisis accommodation and specialised support to survivors.

Over the past four years, the organisations have assisted nearly 3,340 individuals.

Of the 622 new entrants to the service in the 2023/2024 financial year, approximately 60 per cent (373) had endured Forced Labour.

The Salvation Army administers the Government's Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract in England and Wales, offering secure accommodation and specialised support to adult survivors.

Over the past 14 years, the organisation - and authorised partners - have assisted nearly 27,000 individuals.

Of the 2,409 entrants to the service last year, 65 per cent (1,557) had endured Forced Labour.

EMMERDALE: ITV/STV UNVEILS GRIPPING NEW MYSTERY - WHERE HAS BEAR WOLF GONE? | EMMERDALE SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

3/11/2025

ITV / STV have, today, launched a captivating new on-air promotional trailer for the long-running Soap Opera Emmerdale, centring on the enigmatic disappearance of Bear Wolf.

Bear Wolf, portrayed by Joshua Richards and the father of Paddy Kirk (played by Dominic Brunt), was last sighted departing in a hire car more than three months ago.

This week, Paddy comes to the startling realisation that his father is not safely ensconced in Ireland as previously believed, but has instead gone missing.

Concerns over Bear's mental well-being heighten Paddy's anxiety for his safety, compounded by remorse over their acrimonious parting.

As Paddy and his wife Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) embark on a quest to uncover Bear's whereabouts, the trailer offers tantalising clues about his true location. Viewers are promised that the riddle will be resolved in forthcoming episodes of Emmerdale.

Emmerdale continues to air from Monday to Friday at 19:30 on ITV1 / STV / ITV1 HD / STV HD.

EMMERDALE: ITV AND STV AIR SHOCKING COUNTY LINES TWIST WITH COURTROOM DRAMA | EMMERDALE SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

2/10/2025

In a gripping pair of episodes of Emmerdale on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player, viewers were plunged into a dark exploration of truth and deception, with a hard-hitting County Lines storyline taking centre stage.

The episodes, aired on 2 October 2025, unveiled Celia (Jaye Griffiths) as the ruthless mastermind behind a drugs gang, shocking audiences with her brutal transformation.

In a chilling scene, Celia violently slapped teenager April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) and issued a stark warning about the consequences of betraying the gang.

The revelation that Celia, not drug dealer Ray Walters (Joe Absolom), holds absolute control left Ray cowering, exposing her dominance.

Jaye Griffiths, commented:

"The audience now sees the familial link between Celia and Ray, and the full context of their operation. It's clear these kids are trapped, and there’s more drama to come."

The storyline, developed with expertise from The Salvation Army, highlights the harrowing reality of County Lines, a form of modern slavery where vulnerable children like Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) and April are coerced into Drug Trafficking.

Exploited through grooming, threats, and violence, they face a bleak future, with Celia's operation using tactics like cuckooing (taking over vulnerable people's homes for criminal activity).

With an estimated 1,000 County Lines networks active across the United Kingdom, Emmerdale underscores the devastating impact on communities, showing signs of exploitation such as unexplained absences or changes in behaviour.

Elsewhere, honesty proved costly for Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson), who bravely testified against his attacker in court, securing a conviction.

However, his candid admission of sexual confusion, witnessed by his shocked wife Gabby Dingle (Rosie Bentham), left their marriage in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) continued to deceive ex-husbands Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), risking exposure as he juggles his lies.

Emmerdale’s powerful storytelling sheds light on critical social issues while delivering emotional drama, leaving viewers anxious for the characters’ fates.

Emmerdale continues on ITV1 / STV / ITV1 HD / STV HD / ITVX / STV Player.

ITV CONFIRMS ACCLAIMED ACTOR JOE ABSOLOM JOINS EMMERDALE AS MYSTERIOUS RAY IN HUGE SHAKEUP | EMMERDALE SPOILERS AT INFORMING BRITAIN

31/5/2025

Emmerdale fans are in for a thrilling Summer as acclaimed actor Joe Absolom joins the cast, set to debut as Ray, an enigmatic figure who has ties to Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb).

Absolom, known for his captivating performances, will bring a new layer of intrigue to the ITV/STV Serial Drama when his character arrives on the farm this Summer.

Ray initially presents himself as a farm machinery salesman, but his true nature as a drug dealer quickly unravels, shaking up the village.

Beneath his calm and collected demeanor lies a menacing streak, promising tension and drama for the residents of Emmerdale.

Absolom's casting is already generating buzz within Emmerdale insiders.

Laura Shaw (Series Producer - Emmerdale), says:

"We are thrilled to welcome Joe Absolom to the cast. It's fantastic to have such a high calibre and immensely talented actor join our wonderful team to play the role of Ray. Charming, charismatic and effortlessly likeable, Ray is an extremely complex character who very quickly shows his dark and villainous side to some of our most loved villagers, leaving them in no doubt as to what he’s capable of. Joe has a wealth of television, theatre and film credits, including Doc Martin, The Bay and most recently playing the role of Braden Moore in Code Of Silence".

Joe Absolom, says:

"Well what an honour to join such a talented team at Emmerdale! It's an iconic show and I'm grateful to be part of it. I can't wait to see what's in stock for Ray!"

Stay tuned to Emmerdale to catch Joe Absolom's debut and the unfolding chaos this Summer!

Emmerdale continues on ITV 1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

EMMERDALE's BELLE FINALLY REPORTS TOM TO THE POLICE FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE | INFORMING BRITAIN

1/10/2024

In tonight's Emmerdale, Belle King (Eden Taylor Draper) finally reported to the police that she is a victim of Domestic Abuse.

Earlier in the episode that aired on ITV 1 / STV, Belle visited her ex husband Tom King (James Chase) in a local medical facility where he believed they had struck a deal between them not to say it was her who attacked him in return she would stay quiet about her situation.

However Belle was later seen at a police station where she handed over the axe that she struck him with last week saying "I've attacked my husband, in self defence, he wanted to kill me. I'm a victim of domestic abuse."

Will Belle finally start to get justice now she's finally made this report to the authorities?

Emmerdale continues on ITV 1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.

ITV CONFIRM SPECIAL BEHIND CLOSED DOORS EPISODE TO BE AIRED | INFORMING BRITAIN

29/4/2024

This week ITV1 & STV will air a special episode of Emmerdale, on Tuesday 7 May 2024, showing two different perspectives of the same day.

The audience will experience a dinner party but in two halves.

One from the perspective of Rhona Dingle (Zoe Henry) & Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) - from the dinner table.

One from the perspective of Belle King (Eden Taylor-Draper) & Tom King (James Chase) - from the kitchen.

What you see in public is not necessarily what you see behind closed doors.

PRE DINNER PARTY: Belle sneaks to a doctor appointment to organise her contraceptive prescription. Anxious as she explains to Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) she doesn’t want it sent to her home like her other medication and they find a solution. Meanwhile, at work Tom is patronised by Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) when he messes up diagnosing an elderly dog with cancer without conducting the necessary diagnostic tests. When Vanessa and Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) arrive in the nick of time she swiftly orchestrates the correct blood tests and it is just an abscess. As the furious customer heads out, Tom starts playing victim, laying it on thick how Vanessa makes him feel unwelcome at the practice. He suddenly turns the tables by inviting the vet staff and their partners to a dinner party tomorrow night at his & Belle's house. Tom returns home furious after his terrible day and tells Belle about the dinner, tomorrow, and firmly puts the success of it down to her.

THE INVITATION: Feuding Marlon and Rhona finally agree to meet for lunch. Things are awkward. Especially when Rhona tells Marlon she has accepted Tom's invite to dinner the following night. Marlon is frustrated to have not been consulted. He agrees to attend, but they are further apart than ever.

THE DINNER PARTY TABLE: As guests arrive for the dinner party, tensions simmer between Rhona and Marlon. The lovey-dovey Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) and Paddy only heighten the awkwardness. Tom's toast about marital solidarity exposes the cracks in Rhona and Marlon's relationship further. Meanwhile Vanessa, Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough), Paddy and Mandy attempt to enjoy the evening. Belle excuses herself, saying the onions made her cry, as her relationship with the controlling Tom is strained. The row between Rhona and Marlon erupts as they lay bare their issues publicly. Rhona tries leaving, but defiant Marlon rejects it, forcing Rhona to seemingly end their marriage in front of everyone.

THE VIEW FROM THE KITCHEN: Belle puts the finishing touches to the Dale Head dinner, but critical Tom asks her to change into a more appropriate outfit, and she compliantly heads upstairs. In the kitchen, alone, Tom makes a discovery, but before he can confront her, the guests start to arrive. Later, when Belle goes upstairs, Tom joins her in the bathroom in a threatening manner. Tom, soon, doesn't let Belle out of his sight in the kitchen. When Rhona finally puts her foot down to leave following the argument, the other guests apologetically follow suit. Belle is desperate for people to stay, but they all make their excuses. And as guests depart, we see the terrifying reality of Belle's life with the menacing Tom.

Mark Charnock, who portrays Marlon Dingle, spoke to an ITV representative about this unique episode.

He gives an insight as to what ITV/STV viewers can expect.

Mark, said:

"It's a one off in terms of structure and it's a very different sort of episode where you kind of go back and forth in time during the dinner party. What it’s really cleverly done is it's got what’s happening on stage which is the dinner party and what's happening off stage which is in the kitchen between Tom and Belle. So we see two charming hosts hosting these different couples and then when the hosts go back into the kitchen we see the darkness of what's going on between them. Meanwhile on stage you've got these happy couples; Mandy and Paddy and Vanessa and Suzy. And then there’s Rhona and Marlon who appear to be completely falling apart in front of everybody."

Mark went on to give his thoughts on being a part of this episode.

Mark, explains:

"It's always exciting to be part of something that's a one off. This isn't a regular episode, it's self contained. It's almost like a half hour single drama because it’s so unique."

Zoe Henry, who portrays Rhona Dingle, confirms that the episode is going to be in two halves when asked how it's going to be executed.

Zoe, said:

"It is essentially an episode of two halves… the first one is the surface stuff, what you can plainly see going on, particularly dominated by Marlon & Rhona's now dysfunctional relationship and how real and ugly and that currently is. The second half is a repeat of the same action, but this time it's the under the surface stuff. The hidden agendas, the secrets, the unspoken."

Zoe gives a little hint as to how things erupt between Rhona & Marlon.

Zoe, explains:

"You've heard the saying ‘Sober man's mind, drunken man's tongue’? That's basically it. They both drink too much, get on each other's nerves and it all comes out! Warts and all!"

Eden Taylor-Draper, who portrays Belle King, gives her explaination in how this behind closed doors episode is going to be done and is looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Eden, said:

"In the first scene you see all of the groups arriving and you think everything's great? It kind of continues that way and you see snippets of them as a group and then at different points throughout the episode you see the reality of what’s happening behind closed doors. The perspective of those at the dinner party are completely different to what's happening in reality. It's very much like everyone's putting on a show in front of their friends, and then the audience becomes a fly on the wall and you see the reality of everyone's individual scenarios. It's so interesting because we've not really done this before so it was cool to film. I'm looking forward to seeing how it comes together and how it looks when it’s packaged together."

Eden was asked if she is happy to be involved in such a standout episode.

Eden, said:

"I've never done an episode like this and I've never really been part of a special episode in that way with a focus on my storyline. So I’m grateful for the opportunity. I also think this episode is such a representation of Belle and Tom."

You can stream Emmerdale, now, on ITVX and STV Player.

ITV CONFIRM DARK NEW TWIST FOR BELLE IN EMMERDALE | INFORMING BRITAIN

22/2/2024

Emmerdale is set to depict Belle and Tom King’s controlling and abusive marital relationship.

The newly married couple, played by Eden Taylor Draper and James Chase, have just returned from their honeymoon, but the signs are already apparent that their relationship is not a bed of roses.

The night of her wedding we saw Belle question whether she had made the right choice and she is now starting to lose her way in what a normal relationship actually looks like. Her husband, Tom, is exhibiting clear signs of Coercive Control and there are indications this could develop into physical abuse as well as mental abuse.

Sadly and typically Belle is likely to keep this aspect of their relationship a secret from her nearest and dearest.

Producer Laura Shaw, explains:

"Soaps are in the extraordinary position of being able to highlight what happens behind the public face of an abusive relationship, over a longer period of time. The audience knows these characters so well, sometimes as well as they might know their own friends and family and they care deeply about them. As harrowing as it can be to watch this type of storyline play out, it's imperative that we use our platform to shine a light on Domestic Abuse, and help give a voice to people who have so often been silenced."

The programme has been working with outside partners to research this topic and our research has shown us that since the COVID-19 pandemic the instances of Tech Abuse have risen, I.E. a partner using monitoring devices such as trackers, hidden cameras to control and track their victims. So before long the character of Tom will start using different methods of technology to assert his control and surveillance over Belle.

Eden Taylor Draper, who plays Belle King, says:

"When we first heard from the producers the way the Tom and Belle relationship story was going to go, we were fully aware of the responsibility that would bring. But it is an important story to tell. Soaps offer the viewer a glimpse of life behind closed doors and reveal what people present to the world isn't always a truth. The sad reality is that behaviour like this in a relationship is all too prevalent. I hope we do this story justice. And if people are in a situation like this they should definitely get help."

Throughout the research process, the programme has worked with a Domestic Abuse charity, New Beginnings Peer Support, and their CEO Lindsay Olive highlights why this is an important story for Emmerdale to be telling.

Lindsay Olive, said:

"As an after-crisis service we see the longevity of the trauma resulting from Domestic Abuse and firmly believe preventative measures are key. We therefore, very much welcome Emmerdale covering this storyline to highlight the realities of Domestic Abuse, red flags within a relationship and the challenges of leaving. Domestic abuse remains a hidden pandemic and the more information in the public domain to increase awareness, the higher the chance of perpetrator behaviour being recognised and victims gaining the support they require."

Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment at Refuge, said:

"Refuge is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the writers and producers of Emmerdale, to develop the storyline between Tom and Belle and show viewers the sad realities of Domestic Abuse. The show will be exploring the multi-faceted and complex nature of Domestic Abuse, with various manifestations of abuse, including Coercive Control, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, and Technology-Facilitated Abuse, all set to be displayed by Tom over the coming weeks. The show will also highlight how abuse escalates over time, as well as some of the common tactics used by perpetrators such as isolation from family and friends, love bombing, and manipulation. Domestic Abuse is sadly all too common, with 1 in 4 women experiencing some form of abuse in their lifetime. It is important shows like Emmerdale explore these types of storylines, and work with experts such as ourselves when developing these on-screen portrayals so viewers can be informed about Domestic Abuse and how it presents and learn to recognise signs of abuse in the real world. If you recognise any of the behaviours displayed by Tom, you may be experiencing Domestic Abuse. If this is the case, you are not alone."

Emmerdale continues weeknights at 19:30 on ITV1 / STV / ITVX / STV Player.