May 11th 2024.
In 1998, Emmerdale fans were introduced to a new character, Bernice Blackstock, played by Samantha Giles. Samantha, now a 52-year-old legend of the show, has recently left the beloved soap and has ventured into the world of theater. She shared with The Agency that she currently has no plans to return to the show that she intermittently graced for twenty five years.
Samantha is currently appearing in The Syndicate, a touring production based on the BBC One series of the same name. She stars alongside her former Emmerdale co-star Gaynor Faye and Coronation Street's Brooke Vincent. The play follows the story of a group of supermarket employees who win the lottery just as their jobs are at risk, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with such a life-changing event.
In The Syndicate, Samantha portrays Denise, a character vastly different from her Dales alter-ego. She describes Denise as "very, very different" from the stylish and glamorous beautician that was Bernice. In fact, Samantha had to gain a little weight and wear frumpy clothes to accurately portray Denise, who undergoes liposuction towards the end of the play.
The Syndicate is a heartwarming and comedic drama written by the late Kay Mellor, who happens to be Gaynor's mother. Samantha reveals that she was quite nervous to take on this role, not only because of Kay's legacy, but also because she wanted to do justice to the entire family. She explains that although she and Gaynor shared a dressing room on Emmerdale, their characters did not have much interaction, so this was an exciting opportunity to work closely together.
As she takes on theatrical work after her lengthy soap stint, Samantha reflects on her experience working with the iconic June Brown (aka EastEnders' Dot Cotton) in a theater production back in 1993. She fondly remembers June as a brilliant person and a close friend, and despite her passing, Samantha is grateful that she lived a long life despite being a "bit of a chain smoker."
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But what about Samantha's character, Bernice? Will we see her return to Emmerdale and catch up with her daughter Gabby Thomas, who is now a successful businesswoman? Samantha reveals that she has no immediate plans to go back to the show, as she is enjoying exploring different opportunities. She explains that the show changes constantly, and she hasn't had the chance to see where Bernice would fit in at the moment. However, she never says never, and the possibility of returning to Emmerdale is always there for the future.
Despite leaving the show, Samantha has nothing but positive things to say about her time on Emmerdale. She acknowledges that it is a wonderful job, but it can also be restrictive in terms of being tied to the show and not being able to take on other projects. She mentions that unlike other soap actors, who can take breaks and return to their roles, Emmerdale does not often allow that. However, she praises her former colleagues who are currently starring in the ITVBe reality show Drama Queens, which sheds light on their personal and professional lives.
Samantha is currently touring the UK with The Syndicate, which will conclude at Cardiff New Theatre on 27th July. If you have a soap or TV story, video, or pictures, The Agency would love to hear from you. You can also join the community by leaving a comment below and staying updated on all things soaps on their homepage.
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