Emmerdale’s Bernice Blackstock star prepares for new role away from ITV soap

Samantha, 51, will be swapping the set of Emmerdale for the theatre later this year to star in Cinderella at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre. 

The actress will portray Cinderella’s wicked stepmother in the festive production.

The soap star shared: “I am beyond excited to be playing the wicked stepmother in Cinderella at the Bradford Alhambra Theatre. 

“I’m really looking forward to working with Billy Pearce, the absolute king of panto, and the Alhambra itself is such a beautiful theatre that I have long wished to work at.”

Strictly Come Dancing finalist John Whaite added: “I am so excited to make my panto debut in the wonderful city of Bradford. 

“Yorkshire audiences are the best, and I can’t wait to spend Christmas laughing every day with Billy and Samantha. See you at the ball.”

Samantha’s character Bernice has been at the heart of some big Emmerdale storylines this year. 

The character has been struggling with the menopause and she is currently having an affair with Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw). 

She set up a B&B with business partner Bob earlier this year but ended up making a move on him when they had one too many glasses of wine together.

Bob is married to Wendy Posner (Susan Cookson) but he is blissfully unaware she is embarking on a steamy affair with village doctor Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson).

The pair can’t seem to put an end to their adultery, but ITV soap spoilers have revealed Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) exposes their affair in upcoming scenes.

Victoria starts noticing the pair flirting and can’t help but investigate further. 

Bob ends up stuttering when she confronts him and Bernice is left furious when he tells Victoria that Bernice still has a huge crush on Liam. 

When Victoria calls round Liam’s house she finds him in disarray and notices Wendy’s handbag on his sofa. Their secret is out, but will Victoria keep the information to herself?

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX.