Emmerdale spoilers follow.
An Emmerdale star has announced their exit after a surprise return in Bear Wolf’s trial storyline. First appearing on the soap last November, actor Steven Gidwaney has shared his thanks after reprising the role of Simon ‘Simo’ Clarke.
Simo was among the illegal workers enslaved by mastermind Celia Daniels and her adoptive son Ray Walters. He, Mick and Bear teamed up to expose the criminal duo’s wrongdoings and break free, but Bear had a last-minute change of heart after being brainwashed by Ray.
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Last week, the soap aired the unfolding of Ray’s murder trial, with Simo returning to Emmerdale to testify.
Taking on Instagram after his Emmerdale comeback, Gidwaney expressed his gratitude for being invited back on the soap. He posted a carousel including selfies with Emmerdale stars Dominic Brunt (who plays Paddy Dingle) and Fred Kettle (who portrays teen Dylan Penders), adding that being part of this modern slavery storyline had been a “huge honour”.
“Well what can I say…AGAIN!” the actor began in the caption. “To be asked to be part of this storyline and to play Simon ‘Simo’ Clarke in the first place was a huge honour. To be invited back has been a MASSIVE privilege!”
He continued: “Firstly, I’d like to thank my amazing agent @jordanaudere @auderetalent for getting me this incredible opportunity in the first place! MASSIVE thank you to Faye Styring, Ezra Tren Humphries and the Emmerdale storyline team for bringing Simo back!”
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In a follow-up video addressing the support he’s received from fans, Gidwaney said: “I just wanted to do a quick video just to say a massive thank you to you all. I really appreciate your love and support for myself and for Simo.”
“It was an absolute pleasure to be involved in this storyline,” he continued. “It’s been the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my career so far so I can’t put the gratitude into words.”
The trial proceedings saw Simo testify and get his revenge against Bear in a bombshell confession, though it was ultimately Paddy who received a suspended 12-month sentence for perverting the course of justice. Surprisingly, Bear was allowed to walk free after he took the stand and relayed the horrors he’d been subjected to.
Back in the Dales, the ex-wrestler continues struggling with flashbacks from his time being exploited by Ray and Celia. The emotional toll of that horrifying experience starts showing when Bear takes a job working with Jai Sharma at the depot.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Emmerdale is working on Bear’s storyline alongside The Salvation Army and Unseen. Further help, support and resources relating to the issue of modern slavery are available on the charities’ websites.