Joshua Richards joins Emmerdale as wrestler Bear Wolf - but is he Paddy's dad?

Emmerdale Bear Wolf

Emmerdale has announced that actor Joshua Richards has been cast in the role of Bear Wolf, a character who could turn out to be Paddy's father...

Mandy Dingle's return to Emmerdale left Paddy Kirk questioning his whole life after it was revealed that professional wrestler Bear Wolf could be his real father. And now the soap has announced Joshua Richards has been cast in the role.

When Mandy drooped the bombshell to Marlon and Chas about Paddy's dad, the pair were left with a huge dilemma over whether to tell the vet the truth, or keep quiet.

Chas decided to tell Paddy about Mandy's claims

Chas decided to tell Paddy about Mandy's claims

But Emmerdale fans have seen that the pair couldn't keep their facade up for long and recently came clean about Mandy's claims, leaving poor Paddy reeling that his whole life until this point could have been based on a lie.

Emmerdale has announced today that the role of bear Wolf will be played by highly-regarded actor Joshua Richards, who has previously worked on feature films like Panic Button and Troy, as well as making many appearances for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Emmerdale insiders revealed: "Bear Wolf is a professional wrestler who, despite his age, is still doing his best to pursue a wrestling career.

"In light of this news, Chas and Marlon will convince Paddy to attend a wrestling convention in order to confront Bear Wolf and find out if he really is Paddy's dad.

"Paddy's quest to find out the truth will see some of the Emmerdale cast leave the Dales for special scenes to be filmed in Northern Ireland in the coming weeks."

Emmerdale, Mandy Dingle

Mandy's bombshell has turned Paddy's life upside down

Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks added: "We are absolutely delighted to have an actor of Joshua's calibre join our show. An actor of immense talent and charisma, he's a brilliant addition to the Emmerdale team. 

"It proves quite the adventure when Paddy and Marlon track Bear down in Belfast as Paddy's life is turned upside down by boisterous Bear. However, Bear isn't the only familiar face our villagers find in Belfast…"

Joshua Richards spoke of his new role: "I am delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. Having been based in Yorkshire for most of my life, it's fantastic to now be filming there too. Bear Wolf is a great character and I am looking forward to seeing what's in store for him."

Viewers will see Bear Wolf on screen from mid February. 

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.