Emmerdale fans have predicted what is wrong with Bear Wolf as his mystery storyline gets underway.
Over recent weeks, Bear’s been acting rather out of character and this has started ringing alarm bells for Paddy.
Last night (Thursday, June 19), Paddy wondered whether Bear was depressed and tried to get him to confide in him about how he was feeling. But, Bear won’t open up.
Bear’s taken his anger out on everyone (Credit: ITV)
Bear’s mystery storyline in Emmerdale
Bear Wolf has been acting different recently as a mystery storyline for the character kicks off. While we have no idea what’s the matter with Bear, we know that he’s not himself and that he’s obviously struggling with something.
This week, he’s been fixated on fixing up a motorbike which he’s named ‘Gloria.’ While we’re so pleased that Bear’s found a hobby, Paddy hasn’t been as chuffed.
With Bear leaving lots of bike parts around the house, he then moved everything to the garage after Cain Dingle offered the place out to him.
But, his anger over the bike was the directed at poor Kammy. Paddy witnessed the outburst and became concerned that Bear was depressed like he used to be.
Paddy Kirk then offered to help support Bear, but Bear said that there was nothing he needed help with. Hmmm, we’d call that denial.
Emmerdale fans ‘work out’ what is wrong with Bear
With Bear behaving unusually and lashing out recently, some viewers have wondered whether the soap could be setting things up for a CTE storyline.
CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) is a condition which can be a result of repeated traumatic brain injuries, common in those who sustain injuries from sports.
As a former wrestler, Bear would’ve sustained many knocks to the head over the years which could’ve triggered the condition.
Taking to Reddit, one fan suggested: “Depression and dementia related to CTE. That’s my prediction based on his life as a wrestler.”
Another person replied: “Oh, good call. That would make a change from the EastEnders and Corrie stories, and makes good sense for this context.”
A third added: “Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, stemming from repeated TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). An affliction that anyone who’s had a career where head injuries are commonplace is at risk of. Bear was a wrestler, so the theory fits.”
But, could this be what’s wrong with Bear?
What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy? Could Bear be suffering from it in Emmerdale?
What is CTE?
CTE is a progressive brain condition that is usually caused by repeated blows and injuries to the head, with fans wondering if Bear has the condition in Emmerdale. CTE is most common in those who play sports often where head injuries are more likely to occur. The condition can cause brain cell death and lead a person to develop neurological and psychological symptoms. Symptoms can include mood changes, confusion and short-term memory loss. In some cases the condition can also lead to dementia. 
Does Bear have CTE in Emmerdale?
In recent Emmerdale scenes, Bear has been showing a few worrying behavioural changes. He’s been easily agitated and seems rather low in mood. He’s also started lashing out his loved ones and other villagers who haven’t done anything particularly wrong. This pattern is set to continue further in upcoming episodes as Paddy and Mandy grow really concerned about Bear. With Bear showing several symptoms that could possibly be linked to CTE, it shouldn’t be ruled out. Especially given Bear’s wrestling background, it is possible that the injuries he sustained throughout his career have caused the condition to develop.
Emmerdale producer on Bear’s mystery storyline
In recent weeks, Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw teased what lies ahead for Bear, while keeping hush about the cause of Bear’s behaviour. Laura said: “He’s going off screen for a little while. “He’ll go missing and when he comes back what you’ll see is a very different Bear in a very different situation.” She then warned: “We’re all going to be watching going: ‘what the hell has happened here?'” It seems that Bear’s about to be introduced as a very different man to the one we’ve grown to know over the years, but what is the reason behind it? We’ll have to wait and see!
