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.
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."
"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.
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.
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."
"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."
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RSS Feed
