Samantha Giles: From Coronation Street to Emmerdale and the Magic of Witchcraft
A Soap Star Through the Ages
Samantha Giles is a household name in British television, known for her long-running role as Bernice Blackstock on Emmerdale. She first appeared on the ITV soap in 1998 and has returned multiple times over the decades, with her latest comeback timed for Gabby Thomas’s wedding in 2025. Bernice’s dramatic storylines, including identity fraud and family betrayals, have made her a standout character, cementing Giles’s status as one of the series’ most enduring stars.
Before her iconic role in Emmerdale, Giles appeared in Coronation Street as Kirsty, Angela Hawthorne’s secretary, from 1994 to 1995. She then expanded her TV career with roles in Where the Heart Is, where she played nurse Sally Boothe, and Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, portraying Valerie Holden from 2008 to 2012. Her versatility across multiple soaps highlights her enduring presence in British television.
The Many Departures and Returns of Bernice Blackstock
Bernice has left Emmerdale on three occasions, with her most recent exit in 2023. At the time, she went underground after a loan scandal involving her sister Nicola King, which left bailiffs at her door and her family distraught. Following a short reconciliation with her mother Dianne in Portugal, Bernice returned to Emmerdale, now set to make her mark again amid village drama.
Giles’s ability to breathe life into Bernice across decades has kept audiences invested in the character’s highs and lows, from scheming escapades to heartfelt family moments. The character’s return in 2025 promises to reignite old rivalries and reunite her with key figures like her daughter Gabby and father Rodney Blackstock.
Witchcraft and Personal Magic
Beyond acting, Samantha Giles has a fascinating personal life. In interviews, she has revealed that she practices Wicca, a nature-based spiritual path often associated with modern witchcraft. Describing herself as a “white witch,” Giles explained that Wicca involves following natural cycles and harnessing the power of nature to manifest positive changes in life, though spells are not a requirement.
In fact, Giles credits Wicca with helping her find love. In 2005, she cast a love spell and met her husband, Sean Pritchard, three months later. She told The Mirror, “I wrote down exactly what I was after. Then I met Sean and he was exactly what I had written. It’s as if he appeared by magic!” While she had overlooked certain details, like his age, Giles embraced the serendipitous alignment that followed. She uses candles, crystals, and carefully written intentions to direct her spells, emphasizing precision and patience in manifestation.
A Multi-Talented Creator
Giles’s creativity extends beyond acting. She is also a children’s author, having penned two books: Rosemary and The Witches of Pendle Hill and Rosemary and the Book of the Dead. These works showcase her interest in magical themes and storytelling for younger audiences, further highlighting her versatility and imaginative spirit.
From her early days on Coronation Street to decades on Emmerdale, and now as a practicing Wiccan and author, Samantha Giles has cultivated a rich and diverse career. Her dedication to both her craft and her personal passions demonstrates a unique blend of talent, curiosity, and creativity that continues to captivate audiences across generations.