Emmerdale icon Samantha Giles felt ‘awkward’ over kissing younger co-star: ‘His face afterwards was a picture’

**Bernice had a relationship with Andy, played by Kelvin Fletcher, a number of years ago (Picture: ITV)**

Samantha Giles, an Emmerdale actress, has spoken candidly about her time on the ITV soap opera after her on-screen exit.

The actress has lived in the imaginary hamlet named after it on several occasions, with Bernice Blackstock becoming as one of the most well-liked characters.

We will definitely miss Bernice and her recognisable style!

The former Woolpack landlady and beautician has left her imprint on the series, receiving many storylines from authors, some of which included her in passionate relationships.

As she considered the aforementioned scenarios, Samantha said, “I don’t enjoy those intimate scenes.” “That is really uncomfortable.” Kissing other people is not something you really want to be doing as you reach into your 40s and 50s.

“I just need to take the risk and brave it out; Berthe is a passionate woman, so I have to throw myself into it wholeheartedly.”

Samantha could not help but think about one specific storyline—that of Bernice’s affair with Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher).

She admitted to being “mortified” and said, “I felt a bit awkward because [Kelvin] was younger than me,” as she spoke to The Mirror.”Oh God, how horrible for him, having to kiss a woman who is probably fifteen years older than him,” was my first reaction.

I told him, “Kelvin, just so you know, I’m really going to go for it, OK?” before we started filming. Since I didn’t want him to believe that I was involved in any way.

“After he realised what had happened, his expression was priceless, but it worked because it was realistic and the character looked a little surprised.”

**Bernice has left the village (Picture: ITV)**

Samantha, who has intermittently portrayed Bernice since 1998, is excited to be free to “spread her wings” and be more creative, but she has also shared what she would miss about the programme.

“I hate leaving my coworkers, and I will miss getting my hair and makeup done every day!” My hair alone tells you how much I am missing it already!

Going to work every day is a pattern that takes some getting used to; it’s amazing in some ways since it’s incredibly creative and freeing, but one does clearly miss not being paid on a daily basis too.

However, I believe it is unhealthy to become too preoccupied with money. Sure, everyone has to make a living, but creative people also need to feel free to explore new ideas and create new paintings every day rather than only focusing on the same one.

You’ll be missed, Samantha!