There’s been something bothering Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) on Emmerdale for quite a while now.

The usually gruff but generally genial former wrestling pro has been completely out of sorts – being horrible to Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt), prone to explosive anger outbursts and seeming to be very down.

‘There’s an element of confusion in Bear’s thinking,’ Joshua Richards confirmed, explaining that his character is suddenly feeling his age.

‘I think he’s lashing out because he feels vulnerable and a bit afraid,’ he said. ‘He’s a man who, in the past, has been incredibly physically strong and has earned his living from being fit and healthy. And he can fight. He still has that capability. But as you get older you question your viability to be the kind of person you were before, and therefore you become a vulnerable individual.

‘There’s no status any more, and I think status for somebody who was an athlete and someone who had a great deal of respect for his prowess in the ring suddenly has nothing. It’s called dignity. If you have no dignity you can start lashing out because you do feel vulnerable and you’re open to attack.’

Paddy and Mandy (Lisa Riley) have been left mystified by Bear’s behaviour and their attempts to help him have been thrown back at them.

The rift between father and son has been devastating, with bitter words being exchanged from both sides. In the wake of all this, Bear has left the village temporarily.

When he returns, he’ll be launched into a big new storyline, and Joshua is looking forward to the challenge.

‘I’m going to enjoy my summer holiday because I’m off to Wales tomorrow,’ he said, ‘But I’m really looking forward to coming back. I do love to work. I’m not mad on inactivity for long periods of time, as any actor is if one could be there doing something and having the great fun of taking on a major storyline. It’s exciting.’

Although the subject matter of the storyline is being kept under wraps, Joshua hinted that it will tackle ‘quite a major subject.’

He went on to say, ‘I’ve done something on this subject which I’m not going to say, but I did a play about it with John Godber a few years ago and it was riveting – quite profound and upsetting and also full of alarming facts.’

In 2007, Joshua acted in John Godber and Jane Thornton’s play Sold, playing a journalist who tries to help a woman who has been sold to people traffickers. This would certainly be a difficult and powerful topic for Emmerdale to tackle if this is what’s planned.

Joshua wasn’t giving any more details but told us that he’s excited about taking on the upcoming storyline.

‘I think it’s going to be an excellent storyline to take on because I haven’t seen anybody take it on before,’ he said.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

MORE: Emmerdale star exits after 6 years after heartbreaking showdown in early ITVX release

MORE: Emmerdale’s PC Swirling investigates as violent crime rocks the village

MORE: All 25 soap spoilers for this week as Emmerdale and EastEnders legends feared dead