Note: This article contains discussion of sensitive subject matter such as modern slavery.

Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt has spoken about the grim ordeal that Bear Wolf faced at the hands of Celia Daniels and Ray Walters, which resulted in the character facing time behind bars.

After Bear fell out with his son Paddy Dingle, he left the village and was later seen wandering in no man’s land. It was here that he was preyed upon by the villainous Celia and Ray, who forced him into gruelling manual labour in exchange for shelter.

Following several months of torment, Bear eventually managed to escape his plight, but found himself in a new drama as he killed Ray. Paddy and Dylan Penders helped him cover up the crime, but law enforcement have been on their tails.

Though Bear now has more immediate matters on his hands with the police, the character is still feeling the effects of his traumatic ordeal, with Celia and Ray’s actions set to have lasting consequences.

“I think we are scratching the surface,” said Brunt, who plays Paddy, of the storyline. “We presented a 7pm version of it. I think the truth of it is much darker, much more violent and much more devastating on a personal level and a community level.

“The blight on society that people who are absolute sociopaths, that use people as objects to gain money and exploit without any kind of remorse or empathy is terrifying. I think we touched on it very lightly.”

While Bear will have long-lasting trauma from his past, the character will soon be grilled by DS Walsh as she pokes holes in his version of events, which will lead him to change his story in a bid to protect Paddy and Dylan.

Feeling guilty for their part in the crime, Paddy and Dylan tell the truth, but they are charged with perverting the course of justice. With Paddy also facing time behind bars, how will his marriage to Mandy survive?

“They’re very, very good at fixing things quickly,” explained Brunt. “They’re so deeply in love with each other, so even when Paddy apologises for lying, she says ‘let’s not keep doing that, let’s keep talking to each other.’

“She’s brilliant – all the mistakes and missteps that Paddy makes, she’s very forgiving. But she’s also very good at saying: ‘If you do that again, I’ll kick your shins!'”