ITV / Shutterstock Share By Rebecca Sayers Sep 15 2025 By Rebecca Sayers Sep 15 2025 Why did Bernice leave Emmerdale? Full story behind her exit and surprise return It's a frosty return for Bernice Bernice Blackstock Nicola King Share By Rebecca Sayers Sep 15 2025 By Rebecca Sayers Sep 15 2025 Bernice Blackstock has made a surprise return to Emmerdale tonight, as Samantha Giles has temporarily reprised her role. But it wasn’t all hugs and smiles from the villagers. It’s Gabby and Vinny’s big day and while initially neither Kim or Bernice were going to be making an appearance, both of them actually showed up. But not everyone was happy to see Bernice, especially Nicola. So, let’s take a look back at why Bernice left Emmerdale in the first place. Bernice left in 2023 (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock) Bernice’s time in Emmerdale Going way back to the beginning, Bernice Blackstock first joined Emmerdale in 1998. And she hasn’t been seen on-screen since 2023. But between her arrival and departure, she wasn’t always in the village, as actress Samantha Giles took a few breaks over the years. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers During her time in Emmerdale, Bernice got up to quite a lot of trouble. From numerous love interests to rivalries, she went through everything. However, in 2023, things took a turn in her storyline, leaving her and sister Nicola King at odds. And ultimately Bernice fled from the village. Nicola wasn’t happy with Bernice (Credit: ITV/Mark Bruce/Shutterstock) Why did Bernice leave? Back in late 2023, we said goodbye to Bernice after she wrecked quite a few of her relationships. So, it makes sense that not everyone is happy to see her back in the village. At the time, Bernice was running the B&B with Bob Hope, but it turns out she was having quite a few financial issues. And so, she has wracked up a £20K debt. Only it wasn’t done under her name. Instead she had been using Nicola’s name. Along with this, Bob discovered that she had also neglected to pay some of the suppliers for their business. And then her daughter Gabby was brought into the drama and realised what her mum had been up to. Scared of facing the music, Bernice tried to flee the village. But Nicola figured out where she was hiding and the pair came to blows. Nicola threatened to go to the police over the fraud. But eventually the pair came to an agreement – Bernice gave Nicola her share of the B&B and in return she would leave the village. And she hasn’t been seen since – until her dramatic return tonight (September 15). Bernice and Bob make eyes at one another (Credit: ITV) Will Bernice make amends during her return? While not everyone is happy to see her, Bernice eventually confides in Bob over a bottle of wine. As they’re reminiscing, Bernice decides it’s time to build bridges with everyone she has hurt in the past. But judging by Nicola’s reaction to seeing her in the village, that might be harder than it seems. As Samantha Giles isn’t sticking around for a long-term return, does Bernice have enough time to make things right? Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2025? A complete guide to departures, returns and new arrivals in the Dales Share Good to Know Share By Rebecca Sayers Sep 15 2025 By Rebecca Sayers Sep 15 2025
