In a deeply moving interview, Emmerdale legend Samantha Giles has opened up about her own mortality, revealing her thoughts on death, her funeral plans, and her personal journey toward acceptance. Known for her iconic role as Bernice Blackstock, a character she played for 25 years, Samantha’s reflection on life and death is raw, honest, and profoundly human.

A Lifelong Worry

Samantha’s appearance on Marie Curie’s On the Couch podcast in 2024 marked a deeply personal conversation. When asked whether she ever thinks about her own death, the actress did not hesitate to share her vulnerability. “Yes, I do,” she said, candidly admitting that, when she was younger, she was afraid of death. “I don’t know why, because when you’re younger you’re sort of infallible, aren’t you? It should be the first thing from your thoughts, but I suppose I’ve always been quite a deep thinker.”

Her early fear of death came from the unexplainable nature of it. “How can you one minute be here and the next minute it’s just your shell? How can that be? Where are you, where have you gone?” These questions, she confessed, were ones we all ask, but the answers remain elusive, no matter how hard we try to understand them.

A Shift in Perspective

As Samantha got older, her perspective on death began to change. “Life is very, very hard,” she reflected. “And if you’re lucky enough to die when you’re older, if you’ve lived a long life and can get to old age and die of something related to old age… I think you’ve got to feel very blessed.” She noted that many people are taken too young, but if you can live to a ripe age and pass naturally, you’ve lived a blessed life.

Samantha recognized that for some, especially those enduring chronic illness or severe pain, death may feel like a relief. “There must come a point where you feel I’m ready to move away from this life now because I’m in so much pain or because I can’t do anything and I have no quality of life… it must feel like a release, a relief,” she explained.

It’s clear that Samantha doesn’t view death as an end but rather as a transition. “I just hope that I’m ready for it. That’s all you can… I hope that I have done everything that I want to do in life and I’m ready for the next chapter,” she shared, expressing an acceptance of life’s inevitable end.

Life After Death: A Spiritual Belief

Samantha’s reflections on death take a spiritual turn when she speaks of the energy and soul that live on after the body fades. “I don’t think it’s over, and we have this soul or this spirit, an energy, and you can’t destroy that energy. It goes somewhere,” she said, showing her belief that there is life beyond what we understand in physical terms.

This belief in the continuity of energy provides Samantha with comfort and strength. It speaks to her deep understanding that, even as life changes and moves forward, the essence of who we are can never truly fade away.

Funeral Plans and the Importance of Legacy

Samantha, who recently celebrated a milestone by reflecting on her career in Emmerdale, admitted that she hasn’t written a will yet but has given serious thought to her funeral arrangements. While it’s a topic that may seem uncomfortable, especially for those left behind, Samantha feels it’s important to consider these matters seriously. “I have thought about one song that I’d like at my funeral,” she shared. “I suppose I should find somewhere to write these things down.”

Though she has yet to formalize her plans, Samantha understands that preparing for these events is part of taking responsibility for one’s legacy. “If you write it down and put it in an envelope somewhere, you don’t have to tell people,” she suggested, emphasizing that this is about ensuring peace of mind for herself and her loved ones when the time comes.

The Power of Reflection

In this deeply personal interview, Samantha Giles offered not only a glimpse into her own acceptance of life’s natural cycles but also a profound insight into the human condition. By reflecting on her fears, her beliefs, and her hopes for the future, she reminded us all that it’s never too late to come to terms with life and death—and that we should do so on our own terms.

As Samantha continues her journey, she’s learning to embrace the next chapter with a sense of peace and readiness. It’s a lesson for all of us: to live fully, reflect honestly, and prepare with love and grace.

Fans of Samantha and Emmerdale will undoubtedly continue to support her, appreciating the strength and authenticity she brings to everything she does—both on-screen and off.