Dominic Brunt
“Paddy thinks that Bear Wolf is a bigheaded braggart!
There’s a massive moment in store for Paddy this week, when he comes face to face with the man who could be his father – the legendary wrestler, Bear Wolf!
The dramatic meeting takes place at a wrestling convention, which Paddy reluctantly attends at the behest of his best mate Marlon. But as he braces himself to discover whether or not this striking man could be his dad, will Paddy get the answers he wants?
“This situation has been a big shock for Paddy – he’s lived his life thinking his dad was his dad, and doesn’t want to face the possibility that he’s not,” sighs Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy. “He didn’t want to know about the convention when Marlon first mentioned it, because he doesn’t want to sully his dad’s image, or betray his upbringing. He’d rather never think about it!”
However, Marlon has other ideas. When he calls in sick at the Woolpack so he can secretly attend the convention on Paddy’s behalf, his wife Jessie reckons he’s doing the right thing. But after Paddy hears his pal is off work, he feels utterly betrayed to find him wearing a Bear Wolf T-shirt…
“Paddy’s angry when he realises what Marlon is doing!” admits Dominic. “Marlon doesn’t do it maliciously – he just wants what’s best for Paddy because of what happened with baby Grace. He’s a little orphan really, and Marlon reckons it would be good for him to have a blood relative who’s still around.”
Finally conceding that
Marlon might have a point,
Paddy always idolised Bear Wolf – he was his favourite wrestler!”
Paddy agrees to join him at the convention – and with Chas’ support, he braces himself for the prospect of finding out that this stranger really is his dad. Yet when they arrive, the reality of the situation leaves nervous Paddy speechless.
“They turn up and discover the event is being held at a working men’s club, with all the wrestlers at the tail-end of their careers, which is a bit disappointing at first,” shares Dominic. “Paddy has always idolised Bear Wolf – he was his favourite wrestler and he followed him about everywhere. He and his dad used to go on these silly tours to see the wrestling when he was a kid. So Paddy is a bit star-struck by him when they meet, and he can’t even get a sentence out!
“Bear Wolf doesn’t recognise Paddy and claims that he doesn’t remember Paddy’s mum Barbara, either – he asks if he wants a signature! That’s when Paddy realises he has a little stutter just like his own…”
Spurred on by this random similarity, Paddy is determined to persuade Bear Wolf to open up. But how would Paddy feel should this man turn out to be his biological father after all?
“Well, he doesn’t want anything to do with him, really – he actually thinks that Bear is a big-headed braggart!” chuckles Dominic. “Paddy is disappointed by what he is, and what he’s become. Marlon and Chas keep pushing him to get to the bottom of the situation – but as far as Paddy is concerned, even if he does find out that Bear Wolf is his dad, he still considers his father to be the man who raised him!”