Overview

• Speaking on the National Television Awards red carpet, Riley said Bear’s comeback involves a twist she believes has never been done in a drama.
• Bear has been absent from the soap for about two months following escalating mood swings and angry outbursts.
• His departure followed a row after he told son Paddy to “man up” following a dog attack, leading to Paddy throwing him out.
• Viewers later saw Bear living in his car after he claimed he was staying with a friend, and he has not returned to the village on-screen.
• Producer Laura Shaw previously signalled the reveal would come in the autumn, with Riley calling the arc the producer’s “baby.”