Steven Gidwaney bows out with a heartfelt message as Bear’s loyalty to his captors threatens to destroy everything

A Prisoner’s Last Stand

Emmerdale viewers were left reeling this week as the brutal modern slavery storyline took another devastating twist. Simo, one of the prisoners held captive by Celia Daniels and Ray Walters, has made his final appearance—and actor Steven Gidwaney has officially confirmed his exit.

Introduced as part of the harrowing arc involving Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards), Simo quickly became a symbol of resilience inside the filthy cellar beneath Celia’s farmhouse. Alongside fellow prisoner Mick, he shared not just a cell, but a hope for freedom.

That hope nearly became reality—until Bear’s broken psyche turned against them.

Escape Attempt Ends in Betrayal

After learning from Mick that the keys to their chains were hidden in the kitchen, Bear courageously retrieved them and handed them over to Simo. With Ray supposedly out with Laurel Thomas and Celia away from the property, everything seemed aligned for a clean getaway.

But Bear, warped by months of manipulation and emotional abuse, second-guessed the plan. In a heart-wrenching moment, he convinced Ray to stay at the farm—only to then catch Mick and Simo mid-escape.

Their bid for freedom failed. And just like that, Simo was transferred to another undisclosed farm, ripped away from his makeshift brotherhood and hopes of escape.

Fans had clung to the belief that Simo might return in a future episode, perhaps to save Bear or expose Celia and Ray’s growing web of crimes. But now, those hopes have been dashed.

“I’ve Loved Every Second”: Steven Gidwaney’s Emotional Farewell

Taking to Instagram, Gidwaney penned a moving message about his time on the show:

“What a pleasure it’s been to be involved in such a HUGE storyline… I’ve loved every second of being Simo.”

He thanked his agent, the Emmerdale team, and the directors who helped shape the intense and emotional arc, noting the personal and professional pride he felt in portraying such a powerful role.

But his message wasn’t just goodbye—it was also a warning:

“Keep watching the nation’s favourite farm to see what happens with Bear, Celia & Ray!”

Bear’s Tipping Point?

With Simo gone and Mick likely facing retaliation, Bear now stands alone at the heart of Celia’s operation—a man torn between guilt, loyalty, and a desperate need for redemption.

As the storyline races toward its climax, fans are asking:
Will Bear break free—or become Celia’s next enforcer?