Emmerdale star Samantha Giles has sparked exit fears from fans after she landed a new role away from the ITV hit soap.
The actress is well known for her role as Bernice Blackstock in Emmerdale but later on this year she will be swapping the Yorkshire Dales for the big stage.
This Christmas, Samantha will be stepping into panto land as she joins the cast of Cinderella at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford.
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She will be taking on the role of Cinderella's wicked stepmother. The star will be joined by Strictly Come Dancing finalist John Whaite as Dandini, and Bradford panto legend Billy Pearce as Buttons.
Speaking about her new role, she said: "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."
Samantha is no stranger to the stage as she has previously appeared in A Taste of Honey, Absent Friends and Season’s Greetings.
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The star's new role could mean that Bernice may take some time away from the show.
Bernice has been at the centre of some big Emmerdale storylines this year. She has been struggling with the menopause and she is currently having an affair with Bob Hope.
In an upcoming scene viewers will see Bernice and Bob try to fight their rising attraction. The pair are also unaware that Bob’s partner Wendy is also having an affair with local doctor Liam.
