Overview

• Riley confirms the arc is currently being filmed and will unfold across the festive period into early 2026.
• The plot centers on Bear’s return after months away following erratic behavior that prompted depression speculation, which remains unconfirmed.
• Producers are intentionally seeding misdirection, with Riley suggesting the reveal could be a complete curveball.
• Radio Times and Daily Star report that Vicky Thomas will direct the Christmas Day episode tied to the storyline.
• Daily Star notes the festive episodes lead into a planned Emmerdale–Coronation Street crossover slated for January.