Emmerdale icon teases “never done before” storyline to run into 2026 – and hints at Christmas drama

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Lisa Riley has given fans a sneak peek at an unusual storyline they’re currently shooting for Emmerdale. She’s also shared some hints about what viewers can expect during the holidays and in the future.

At the Inside Soap Awards 2025, the actress-who plays Mandy Dingle in the ITV soap-told The Sun that viewers will soon learn the fate of her character’s father-in-law, Bear Wolf (played by Joshua Richards).

“You’re going to find out [where Bear’s been],” Riley said.

The story will unfold throughout the Christmas season and extend into the New Year, and it’s a plotline that’s completely original.

We received the script months ago and were immediately told it was going to be a really exciting project. That’s the great thing about soaps – they allow us to plan lots of unexpected twists and turns to surprise viewers.

We’ve discussed Paddy’s suicide previously, and that led some people to draw comparisons to what happened with Bear. But is that an accurate comparison? She hinted it could be a surprising twist.

She explained: “That’s why we appreciate our writers – they intentionally introduce unexpected elements to keep things interesting and challenge your expectations.”

Following a disagreement with his son, Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt), due to his unpredictable actions, Bear was last known to be living in his car in July. He had previously told Paddy he would be staying with a friend in Ireland, but this proved untrue.

What could have happened to Bear?

As we await further details, Riley also shared some initial thoughts about this year’s Christmas episode of the continuing drama series.

Vicky Thomas, the director of the large ice skating event with the crash, is also directing the Christmas Day show, which says a lot about her skills and the event’s potential.

Earlier this February, Riley‘s character found themselves in the middle of a dramatic situation when a limousine plunged into a frozen lake. Sadly, this resulted in the deaths of Leyla Harding (played by Roxy Shahidi), Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough), and Amy Barton (Natalie Ann Jamieson).

Meanwhile, Emmerdale is set to join forces with Coronation Street for an epic crossover episode.

“There is a LOT of action happening. I can’t say [if I’m going to be part of it],” Riley explained.

So much to look forward to!

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.

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2025-10-01 17:02