A Devastating Call Before Showtime

Emmerdale legend Samantha Giles has opened up about one of the most heartbreaking moments of her life. The actress, best known for playing Bernice Blackstock, was midway through her theatre tour last summer when tragedy struck. Just hours before she was due on stage in Shrewsbury, she received the shocking news that her mum had suffered a severe stroke.

It wasn’t just any stroke either — Samantha revealed it was a brain haemorrhage, a type that most people do not survive. The timing made the situation even more unbearable. She had two shows scheduled that day, and while her world had just turned upside down, fans were already seated and waiting for the curtain to rise.

Choosing Strength Over Fear

In her interview, Samantha admitted she was torn between her family and her responsibility to the audience. “If you’re filming for TV, you can reschedule,” she explained. “But you can’t do that with a live stage show. People had bought tickets.”

Despite her heartache, she made the incredible choice to perform. She admitted she had no idea whether her mum would pull through while she was out there under the spotlight. The emotional weight was almost unbearable, but she kept going — determined not to let anyone down.

The Tough Road Ahead

Thankfully, Samantha’s mum survived. Doctors confirmed that the worst had passed, and no surgery was needed. Her father reassured her that things were “under control,” but the challenges were far from over.

Samantha continued with her tour while balancing visits to her mum in Kent every weekend. This meant she spent her weekdays away working and her weekends traveling back and forth to be by her mother’s side. The strain was immense, but walking away from the stage wasn’t an option for her.

“It was such a tough time,” she reflected. “I honestly don’t know how I managed it. Looking back, it feels almost unreal.”

A Remarkable Recovery

Now, more than a year later, Samantha’s mum is still on the long road to recovery. She has ongoing struggles, particularly with memory and dates, but her survival alone is nothing short of a miracle. Samantha knows how lucky her family is. “Eighty percent of people don’t make it through a stroke like that,” she shared.

Though recovery is slow and often frustrating for her mum, Samantha is just grateful to still have her. “She knows she’s not the same person she was before, but it’s amazing she is still here,” the actress said.

Looking Ahead

Despite everything, Samantha remains passionate about her craft. She hopes to return to the stage again soon, this time without such a heavy emotional burden. “Theatre is so different from TV,” she said. “It’s incredible to be in front of an audience. I’d love to do more.”

For fans, this story is a reminder of Samantha’s resilience both on and off the screen. Her portrayal of Bernice has always been fiery and determined — and it’s clear those qualities run deep in her real life, too.