Emmerdale Spotlight: Who Is Bernice Blackstock, Why Did She Leave the Dales, and What Brings Her Back Again?
Bernice’s Dramatic Return
Bernice Blackstock has made yet another stylish return to Emmerdale, stepping back into the village two years after her third departure. Fans saw her reappear during Gabby Thomas’ wedding to Vinny Dingle, and her arrival sparked plenty of gossip and tension.
Played by Samantha Giles, Bernice has been part of the Emmerdale family since November 1998. Over the years, she’s built a reputation for comedy, chaos, and outrageous storylines that make her a fan favorite. But why has she come and gone so often, and what pushed her away last time?
A History of Exits and Returns
Bernice has left the soap three times since her debut. Her last exit in 2023 was one of her most dramatic yet. After secretly taking out a loan in her sister Nicola King’s name, Bernice left her family in turmoil.
When the bailiffs turned up, Nicola quickly realized what had happened. Furious, she threatened to call the police. Bernice panicked and made plans to escape, leaving Nicola and daughter Gabby horrified. Shamed by Gabby’s words, she briefly reconsidered, but the damage to her family’s trust was too great.
In the end, Bernice left the village anyway. Rodney, her devastated father, struggled to come to terms with her choices. Bob Hope also surprised her by admitting he would miss her despite everything. His parting words, “life’s too short,” were bittersweet as Bernice headed to Portugal to reconnect with her mum, Diane.
Samantha Giles on Saying Goodbye
At the time of her exit, actress Samantha Giles admitted she would miss the fun of playing Bernice. Known for her comedic timing, Samantha described the character as a “complete fantasist,” someone unpredictable and entertaining.
She also revealed the lighter side of her job: “I loved getting my hair and make-up done every day. I am already missing that, just look at my hair!”
Still, Samantha felt ready to move on and try other projects outside of Emmerdale.
Why She Came Back
Fast-forward two years, and Samantha Giles is back in the Dales—though not for long. She revealed her agent contacted her earlier this year with an offer to return for four or five episodes. At first, she wasn’t sure. “I didn’t want to take a step backwards,” she explained.
But the chance to revisit her iconic character proved too tempting. In the end, Samantha enjoyed the short stint, calling it a “lovely opportunity” to catch up with old castmates and slip into Bernice’s outrageous shoes once more.
Not a Permanent Return
Fans hoping this marks a permanent comeback may be disappointed. Samantha confirmed she has no plans to stay in Emmerdale for the long haul. “If they’d asked me to go back permanently, I would have probably said no,” she admitted. She’s enjoying new challenges outside of the soap and doesn’t want to commit to a full-time return.
Still, her temporary reappearance has stirred up plenty of drama. Nicola, unsurprisingly, had some harsh words for her sister. And with Bernice’s track record of schemes and chaos, viewers know she rarely returns without shaking things up.
Final Thoughts
Bernice Blackstock remains one of Emmerdale’s most colorful characters. From comic relief to emotional heartbreak, her storylines always leave a mark. While her return in 2025 is short-lived, fans can enjoy seeing her back where she belongs—even if just for a few weeks.
Her history of exits and comebacks has become part of her charm. Whether she’s causing chaos, chasing romance, or trying to patch things up with family, Bernice knows how to steal the spotlight. For now, she’s only passing through, but in Emmerdale, doors never stay closed for long.