Emmerdale fan favourite Bernice Blackstock (played by Samantha Giles) has been a regular character on the ITV soap for over 20 years. Giles’ character has had her fair share of dramatic storylines through the years but, as she appears more and more on-screen in 2019, Emmerdale viewers have been left wondering how old Bernice is. Here’s all you need to know about Bernice and the actress who plays her.
Who plays Bernice Blackstock on Emmerdale?
Bernice is currently played by 47-year-old actress Samantha Giles, although her character is a few years older.
Emmerdale viewers first saw Rodney Blackstock’s (Patrick Mower) daughter on-screen over 20 years ago.
Giles took a break from the character between 2001 and 2012, with the exception of a brief return in 2004.
Since returning to the ITV soap, however, she’s remained a regular fixture.
Away from Emmerdale, Giles enjoyed stints on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks and BBC daytime drama Doctors.
How old is Bernice Blackstock on Emmerdale?
Bernice on Emmerdale is actually older than what actress Giles is.
The ITV soap character was born on December 29, 1968.
This means Bernice is currently 50-years-old on Emmerdale and will turn 51 at the end of the year.
It makes her almost 10 years older than half-sister Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler).
Nicola was born on May 13, 1978, meaning the character turns 41 later this year.
Bernice and Nicola remain integral parts of the Emmerdale cast in 2019, with the former recently sparking a romance with Dr Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson).
The Emmerdale star will appear in the soap’s highly-anticipated ‘big night out’ scene on Thursday, April 25.
Bernice and pal Kerry (Laura Norton) will join a host of Emmerdale character as they head to a night club thanks to Aiesha (Shila Iqbal) securing invites.
However, Emmerdale’s April trailer teases plenty of drama is in-store, especially for the likes of Maya Stepney (Louisa Clein) and Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant).
The voiceover in the trailer says: “One night will change everything.”
Soap fans have already been made aware that David (Matthew Wolfenden) will cheat on Maya with his ex Tracy (Amy Walsh).
Victoria Sugden (Isobel Hodgins) is also set for a harrowing time in a hard-hitting rape storyline.
Ellis (Asan N’Jie) and Billy (Jay Kontzle) are also in for drama with criminal Max (Jordan Reece).
All will be revealed as to what will happen in the coming weeks.
Emmerdale continues tonight at 7pm on ITV.
