Samantha’s Big Return as Bernice Blackstock

Emmerdale star Samantha Giles is preparing to step back into the shoes of Bernice Blackstock once again, but she admits the acting industry feels very different compared to when she first started. The 54-year-old actress first joined the ITV soap in 1998 and has reprised her role several times since, with another short return now confirmed for September.

Producers invited Samantha back for just “four or five episodes,” and while she hesitated at first, she revealed the timing worked perfectly around her other projects. Recently, she wrapped up a children’s TV series The Football Fantastics and completed work on a Christmas movie set for release later this year.

“It’s Got Much Harder” for Actors

In a candid chat with Woman magazine, Samantha confessed that finding television roles has become much tougher than before. She explained that years ago, offers came more easily — sometimes a guest role on a drama would be offered without an audition. Now, however, even for just a few scenes, actors are asked to record self-tapes and audition remotely.

“I think the business has changed a lot,” she said. “Ten years ago you’d be offered things, now you have to audition for everything. You’re asked to self-tape for just three scenes. It’s bizarre.”

Samantha believes the rise of self-taping has opened the door for more competition, with producers now able to view dozens of audition clips at once. “Casting directors wouldn’t ask 50 people into a room, but they’ll watch 50 tapes,” she admitted.

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Facing Fierce Competition

The actress acknowledged that the influx of influencers, singers, and presenters has increased the competition for television work. While she welcomes the variety, she admitted it has made securing roles more challenging for established actors.

Still, Samantha has enjoyed a long and varied career. Before joining Emmerdale, she appeared in Coronation Street, Dangerfield, and the TV film Midnight Man. Off-screen, she has written two fantasy novels: Rosemary and the Witches of Pendle Hill and Rosemary and the Book of the Dead.

What She Wants Next

Despite her success, Samantha is still hungry for new challenges. She revealed she would love to appear in a comedy series, or take on a gritty role in a police drama. She even admitted that she would consider starring in a horror film, though she joked that watching them makes her feel like she’s “going to have a heart attack.”

When to Watch

Samantha’s beloved character Bernice is set to return to Emmerdale on September 15. Fans can expect plenty of drama as Bernice once again finds herself in the thick of village life.

Emmerdale continues to air on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1, with episodes available for streaming on ITVX.