Emmerdale‘s Bernice Blackstock looks set to return to the Dales for a very special occasion.

The character, played by Samantha Giles, last appeared on the ITV soap in 2023, where she departed after being forced to give over her half of the B&B by sister Nicola King.

This came after Bernice secured a fraudulent loan in Nicola’s name, her sibling giving her an ultimatum amid threats to go to the police. Bernice then decided to leave the village in emotional scenes with daughter Gabby.

It is now being reported by The Sun that Samantha is set to return to the soap in upcoming scenes as Bernice attends her daughter’s wedding to Vinny.

Filming is due to take place in a few weeks, though it looks like the character will only be back for a brief stint.

Digital Spy reached out to Emmerdale who declined to comment.

Samantha has played Bernice on and off since 1998, with her most-recent stint lasting two years.

Speaking ahead of her November 2023 exit, the actor revealed that she had a “variety” of projects lined up following her departure.

“I’d love just to be working on a variety of things really, theatre, TV, my books,” she said. “I’m someone who needs to be challenged and I love being busy, so fingers crossed the universe will send me stuff and send me places where I need to be.”

Samantha added that her “dream” would be to have one of her books made into a TV series – and has even adapted one herself.

“I have written myself parts in everything, so to be playing a character I have created would be amazing,” she explained. “I have just adapted my first Rosemary book into an 8 part TV series, and written the first episode and series synopsis, so you never know.”