Emmerdale actor confirms exit after Bear Wolf’s dramatic trial scenes

Emmerdale actor Steven Gidwaney has officially confirmed his departure from the ITV soap following his dramatic return during Bear Wolf’s explosive court case storyline.

The actor reprised his role as Simon “Simo” Clarke in recent episodes tied to Ray Walters’ trial — and after his emotional comeback aired, Gidwaney took to social media to reflect on what he called the “biggest thing” of his acting career so far.

Simo Returned For Explosive Trial Twist

Fans last saw Simo caught in one of Emmerdale’s darkest recent storylines involving modern slavery, exploitation and manipulation orchestrated by criminal mastermind Celia Daniels and her adoptive son Ray Walters.

Introduced late last year, Simo was one of several illegal workers trapped under Ray and Celia’s control alongside Mick and Bear Wolf.

The harrowing storyline saw the men attempt to expose the criminal operation and escape their abusers, though Bear’s shocking last-minute loyalty to Ray complicated their plans after the former wrestler was psychologically manipulated and emotionally broken down.

Last week’s episodes revisited the aftermath as Ray’s murder trial finally unfolded — bringing Simo back to the village for a dramatic courtroom confrontation.

Steven Gidwaney Shares Emotional Goodbye

Following the broadcast of his return scenes, Gidwaney posted a heartfelt message on Instagram thanking the Emmerdale production team for bringing him back.

The actor shared behind-the-scenes photos with cast members Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy Dingle, and Fred Kettle, known to viewers as Dylan Penders.

In the emotional caption, Gidwaney described his time on the soap as a “huge honour” and admitted he was deeply grateful for the opportunity to revisit Simo’s story.

“Well what can I say… AGAIN!” he wrote.

“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!”

The actor also thanked his agent and the Emmerdale story team, specifically praising producers and writers involved in crafting Simo’s return arc.

Fans Praise Powerful Modern Slavery Storyline

Gidwaney later posted a follow-up video thanking fans for their support after viewers praised the emotional realism and intensity of the storyline.

The actor admitted the role marked a major milestone in his career and said he struggled to put his gratitude into words.

“It was an absolute pleasure to be involved in this storyline,” he shared.

“It’s been the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my career so far.”

The modern slavery plot became one of the soap’s most hard-hitting narratives in recent months, earning attention for its portrayal of coercion, trauma and exploitation.

Bear Wolf’s Trauma Continues After Trial

Simo’s courtroom testimony ultimately delivered one of the trial’s biggest bombshells as he confronted Bear and detailed the devastating abuse they had endured.

However, the legal outcome surprised viewers.

While Paddy Dingle received a suspended 12-month sentence for perverting the course of justice, Bear was allowed to walk free after emotionally recounting the psychological torment he suffered under Ray and Celia’s control.

Despite escaping prison, Bear’s ordeal is far from over.

Back in the village, the former wrestler remains haunted by flashbacks and emotional trauma linked to his exploitation.

Upcoming episodes are expected to explore the lasting psychological impact of the abuse as Bear attempts to rebuild his life while working alongside Jai Sharma at the depot.

For many viewers, the storyline has marked one of Emmerdale’s most emotionally raw and socially grounded plots in recent years — and Steven Gidwaney’s performance as Simo has clearly left a lasting impression.