Emmerdale viewers are speculating that Bear Wolf may not be the true culprit behind Ray Walters' death - and believe they have evidence to support their theory.

Earlier this year, Ray (Joe Absolom) met his demise at the hands of a village resident, triggering a gripping whodunnit storyline on the ITV soap. This week saw a series of flashback episodes depicting the villagers' activities preceding the villain's death.

Thursday's instalment (January 22) delivered a bombshell when Bear (Joshua Richards) emerged alive, weeks after supposedly perishing. The ex-wrestler had allegedly been killed by the villainous Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths), who was subsequently murdered by her son Ray.

During a confrontation involving Ray, Paddy (Dominic Brunt) and Dylan Sanders (Fred Kettle), Bear made a dramatic return, attempting to prevent Ray from harming both Paddy and Dylan.

Taking decisive action, he seized Ray and pressed his arm against his throat. However, it seemingly resulted in Bear accidentally ending Ray's life, as he abruptly ceased moving and collapsed, reports OK!.

Friday's episode (January 23) saw a distressed Paddy, Bear and Dylan facing the unpleasant duty of disposing of the body. Yet numerous viewers suspect another significant revelation awaits.

On social media, fans have proposed a theory that the former wrestler didn't actually kill Ray, as he employed a wrestling technique. On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one viewer pondered: "I still don't think Bear killed Ray. That's a sleeper hold in wrestling."

One viewer echoed the sentiment, stating: "That's what I was thinking too. I've watched wrestling far too long to know that was just a sleeper hold."

Another fan joined in, saying: "As a fellow WWE fan I agree with you how could a sleeper hold kill someone. But this is Emmerdale lol you know what the writers are like."

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A third agreed, adding: "That's what I was thinking." Reflecting on his character Ray's departure, actor Joe mused: "I've started to think, 'Why did I say kill me off?' That said, Ray had to get his comeuppance. I think the audience is happy. He couldn't stay in the soap. There has to be moving on but as an actor. I have loved it and I could easily stay forever."

Speaking to the Mirror, he added: "It's been very good and I've definitely got the blues. It's a compliment to Emmerdale. It's been such a nice, positive place to work and I am going to miss it."

He concluded with a candid reflection on the life of an actor, saying: "When you are a jobbing actor, the reality of that fear of finding a new role also steps in. It can be terrifying wondering what is next."

Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX