In a twist that has stunned Emmerdale fans and added fresh fuel to one of the soap’s darkest storylines, actor Steven Gidwaney has officially confirmed his exit from

the beloved Yorkshire drama. Gidwaney, who brought the character Simo to life as part of the show’s harrowing modern-slavery plot, revealed on Instagram that he has wrapped filming—

and his emotional farewell has left viewers bracing for what could be an explosive climax to the arc involving Bear Wolf, Ray Walters, and Celia Daniels.

It has been one of Emmerdale’s most intense storylines in recent years: Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) trapped in a nightmare, coerced into forced labour by the ruthless Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and the cold, calculating Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths). What began as subtle manipulation quickly spiralled into a terrifying ordeal as Bear found himself imprisoned beneath Celia’s farmhouse in a cramped, filthy cellar. For months, he lived in squalor with no hope of escape, his spirit eroding under the weight of his captors’ psychological control.

But Bear wasn’t alone in his suffering. He bonded with others held in the same degrading conditions—men stripped of their dignity and freedom, surviving only because they had each other. Among them was Simo, Gidwaney’s character, whose quiet resilience and growing friendship with Bear added emotional weight to the storyline.

A Desperate Bid for Freedom

Last week’s episodes marked a turning point as Simo and fellow prisoner Mick (Leon Harrop) put into action a long-planned escape. With their desperation reaching breaking point, the pair trusted Bear with crucial information: the key to the kitchen was their lifeline to freedom.

Mick revealed that Ray had grown careless, leaving the kitchen key within reach—and if they could just get to it, their months of captivity might finally end. Bear, drawing on the strength he once had as a wrestler, managed to swipe the keys and secretly passed them to Simo. For a moment, hope flickered within the darkness of the cellar. Mick and Simo believed they were on the brink of reclaiming their lives.

But Bear—after months of isolation, manipulation, and psychological conditioning—had developed a warped sense of loyalty toward his captors. Ray had carefully entwined Bear in a complex web of threats, praise, and deception, slowly blurring the lines between captor and confidant. Believing he was keeping the peace, Bear urged Ray to remain on the farm, unaware that he was sabotaging the very escape he had helped set in motion.

When the moment came, and Mick and Simo made their desperate run, Bear’s unintended betrayal became devastatingly clear. He caught them in the act, sealing their fate and shattering the fragile trust between the prisoners.

Simo’s Fate — and the Actor’s Farewell

Following the failed escape, Ray wasted no time punishing the men. Simo was swiftly transferred to another farm—an ominous development that left viewers fearing the worst. While some fans held out hope that Simo might return to rescue Bear or help bring down Ray and Celia, Steven Gidwaney’s latest statement confirms that Simo’s chapter has come to an end.

Taking to Instagram, the actor shared a heartfelt, deeply emotional farewell message that highlighted the significance of the storyline and the bond he formed with the cast and crew.

“Where do I start?” he began. “What a pleasure it’s been to be involved in such a HUGE storyline. To have been trusted with something like this is amazing to me.”

Gidwaney went on to express admiration for the Emmerdale team, calling them “amazing people and honestly the best place I’ve had the pleasure of working.” His gratitude extended to directors and producers who helped shape Simo’s journey, including Faye Styring, Ezra Tren-Humphries, Tim O’Mara, Eamonn Norris, Jeff Naylor, and Gary Williams.

“I’ve loved every second of being Simo!” he concluded—words that resonated deeply with fans who connected with his portrayal of the character’s quiet strength and humanity.

The Story Is Not Over — Tension Builds for Bear’s Breaking Point

Despite confirming his exit, Gidwaney also teased that the storyline is far from finished.

He urged fans to “keep watching the nation’s favourite farm to see what happens with Bear, Celia & Ray!” — a hint that major revelations, confrontations, or even justice may be on the horizon.

The modern-slavery arc has been building toward a dramatic payoff, and with Simo removed from the equation, Bear is now more isolated than ever. His loyalty to Ray has been manipulated for months, but the guilt of watching his friends suffer—and seeing the consequences of his conflicted choices—may push him toward a breaking point.

Will Bear finally find the courage to rebel?
Will Celia and Ray’s empire of fear begin to crumble?
And how far will the show go to expose the brutal reality of human exploitation?

Emmerdale’s Commitment to Hard-Hitting Storytelling

The storyline has drawn widespread praise for tackling the grim but vital issue of modern slavery—a reality affecting thousands worldwide. Emmerdale has approached the subject with detail, authenticity, and emotional depth, bringing to light the psychological brutality victims face, even when chains aren’t visible.

Simo’s exit marks the end of one character’s fight for survival, but it also heightens the urgency of what comes next for Bear. His journey has become the emotional core of this arc, and with the show signalling that more explosive twists are coming, viewers can expect an unflinching and powerful conclusion.

For now, Steven Gidwaney leaves the Emmerdale world on a high note—his performance adding richness and resonance to one of the soap’s most impactful storylines in years. And if his final message is anything to go by, Emmerdale’s audience should brace themselves.

Because Bear’s nightmare may soon reach a boiling point—and the fallout could shake the village to its core.