IT’S the end of an era for soap viewers as Bernice Blackstock is on her way out of the Dales once again.
The beloved Emmerdale character is keeping a huge secret from her loved ones next week – but how will it tie into her exit?
The fiery redhead portrayed by Samantha Giles has been involved with drama in the ITV village on and off since 1998.
In most recent months, Bernice took on a new business venture and bought the local B&B with Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw).
But after butting heads over running The Grange, the pair mixed romance with business as viewers of the Yorkshire-based drama saw them almost kiss and embark on an affair.
However, Bob Hope remained committed to his partner Wendy Posner, despite her own affair with village GP Liam Cavanagh.
Since then, Bernice has mostly been standing on the side-lines, away from all the drama unfolding in the eponymous village.
In scenes airing next week, Bernice is thrown back into the spotlight as she continues to treat herself to luxurious fripperies.
It becomes clear that she is keeping a secret and being furtive when she’s taking mystery phone calls.
Who could she be talking to?
How can she afford her purchases?
How will her loved ones, including half-sister Nicola King and daughter Gabby Thomas, react to her behaviour?
Actress Samantha Giles initially joined Emmerdale in 1998 but has frequently left the program to focus on other projects.
After leaving the show a first time in 2002, she came back for a temporary stint in 2004 before departing again and returning in 2012.
Everything you need to know about Emmerdale
She left again seven years later and made a final comeback in 2021.
The soap star is now gearing up for her fourth exit from the long-running drama set for later this year and recently teased her upcoming new role.
But how will it play out on our screens?
Could her exit be permanent?
Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7.30pm on ITV.
