Emmerdale highlights reality of modern slavery
published on 11 Feb 2026
The Salvation Army is encouraging viewers to tune into ITV’s Emmerdale this week as the aftermath of a modern slavery storyline continues to unfold within the community.
In particular, Friday’s episode (13th February) will show moving scenes involving April, Dylan and Bear as they begin to face what has happened to them and try to make sense of the harm they have experienced.
Their stories reflect what The Salvation Army sees every day through its work supporting survivors of modern slavery across England and Wales. Since 2011, The Salvation Army and its partners have supported nearly 27,000 people who have been exploited by criminals, controlled and treated as if they had no worth.
People who have been exploited can be left feeling frightened, ashamed and isolated. Many lose their sense of self-worth, struggle to trust others and carry deep feelings of guilt for what has been done to them. These impacts do not disappear overnight.
However, with the right care and support, recovery is possible. Survivors can and do rebuild their lives, regain confidence and move towards a safer, happier and more independent future.
Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery at The Salvation Army, said:
“We’re very grateful to the team at Emmerdale for telling this story with such care and sensitivity. What we’re seeing on screen reflects the painful reality for many people we support - lives disrupted by exploitation, trust broken, and a deep sense of fear and shame left behind.
“But we also see hope. With compassion, time and the right support, people can begin to heal. They can rediscover their strength and move forward. Storylines like this help people understand what modern slavery really looks like and remind us all to look out for one another and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.”
In recent episodes, Emmerdale has shown how April and Dylan were drawn into criminal exploitation through county lines activity, where vulnerable young people are groomed, controlled and threatened by criminals for their own gain. Bear was targeted by the same criminals, Celia and Ray, who held him on a nearby farm, working for no pay and living in appalling conditions. His son, Paddy, is trying to support Bear and Dylan in their recovery.
“Dylan has lived through so much at his age but Paddy is keen to get across to the lad that there is help he can get and with this and the support of his friends and family he can and will have a great future. "
Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy said:
“As Paddy feels so paternal towards Dylan he is really upset when Dylan seems to think he doesn’t have a chance of a good future given his past. Dylan has lived through so much at his age but Paddy is keen to get across to the lad that there is help he can get and with this and the support of his friends and family he can and will have a great future. "
Joshua Richards, who plays Bear said: “ The horror of modern slavery and its repercussions around the world, is a heart-rending scandal that has destroyed innocent lives. I have been aware of it for many years and have had the privilege of talking to victims of this abhorrent trade and I’ve been touched by their bravery and dignity. They have courageously come forward to expose their plight, and many have been helped back to a normal life by the care of charitable organisations such as The Salvation Army. But of course, this is a never-ending battle against evil exploitation”
County lines exploitation and other forms of modern slavery, such as the forced labour which Bear experienced, often happen in plain sight. Criminals target vulnerability, offering friendship, protection or money, before using threats, manipulation and violence to keep control.
The Salvation Army works alongside specialist partners to deliver the Government’s Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract in England and Wales, providing survivors with safe accommodation, emotional and practical support, and help to rebuild their lives at their own pace. Last year alone, 2,409 adults entered the service, with nearly two-thirds having experienced forced labour. Modern slavery linked to county lines activity continues to affect communities across the country, with around 1,000 active networks operating in cities, towns and rural areas across England, Scotland and Wales.
Help is available for anyone concerned about someone who may be experiencing exploitation or modern slavery. The Salvation Army’s confidential referral helpline is open 24/7 on 0800 808 3733 but if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
The episode airs on Friday 13th February at 8pm on ITV or can be found from 7am on ITVX that morning.
