Emmerdale icon Bernice Blackstock, known for her allure over men spanning more than two decades, is set to make a magical appearance at her daughter’s upcoming wedding. Portrayed by actress Samantha Giles, the former barmaid is poised to surprise her daughter Gabby Thomas, played by Rosie Bentham.
However, Gabby’s future happiness is uncertain, given the challenges she faces, including the loss of her father to vascular dementia and uncertainties in her partner Vinny Dingle’s sexuality, portrayed by Bradley Johnson. Bernice, a four-time divorcee who departed in 2023 following a financial scandal, is not expected to offer conventional maternal guidance, according to Samantha. She remarked, “I believe Gabby shares some traits with her mother, who has a checkered history with men.”
Samantha, who began her Emmerdale journey in 1998, expressed her delight in revisiting her character and reuniting with the cast. Reflecting on the competitive nature of the acting industry, she acknowledged feeling privileged to have a stable job on the show. The actress, residing in Merseyside but originally from Kent, recently embraced the role of Auntie Val in the CBeebies series Football Fantastics and will soon feature in The Secret Santa Project, a festive film adaptation.
Beyond her on-screen persona, Samantha practices white witchcraft and attributes her successes, including her marriage to TV producer Sean Pritchard and her acting opportunities, to her belief in manifestation and spellcasting. Offering self-help kits on her website, Samantha assists individuals in utilizing spells for various purposes, from improving sleep to aiding in property sales.
Embracing daily rituals such as utilizing protective herbs and consuming seasonal produce, Samantha emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature. She eagerly anticipates Halloween, a significant occasion in Wicca, where she finds solace in the transitional period and the thin veil between worlds.
In addition to her acting career, Samantha has authored popular children’s novels centered around witchcraft themes and is currently working on a historical fiction novel targeting adult audiences. While open to various endeavors, she ruled out participating in reality TV due to her aversion to spiders and preference for solitude.
Despite reduced screen time outside of Emmerdale, Samantha remains a recognizable figure among fans of the show. She recounted an amusing incident where a fellow passenger recognized her post-flight, highlighting the enduring impact of her television presence.
