Emmerdale fans have been talking more about Samantha Giles and her wig than some of the soap’s thrilling plots.
But the fed-up 49-year-old has now ditched the hairpiece after it received a barrage of online mocking.
Bosses relaxed Covid restrictions so Samantha can have her real locks tended twice a week for her role as hairdresser Bernice Blackstock.
Stars in the ITV show are unable to have their hair and make-up done professionally at the show’s studios, due to social distancing regulations.
But Samantha said: “The wig has had more publicity than anything at the moment. I had the latest message from upstairs, as we call them, to say, ‘Just do whatever it takes, just get the wig off her.’
“So I’m allowed to have my hair blow dried twice a week.
“It will be one of two people who does it, so it’s still very Covid safe. I still have to do my own make-up, but at least I get my hair done. Thank goodness.”
Fans had taken a pop at Samantha’s wig.
One wrote: “I hope ITV are prepared to spend some money digitally removing Bernice’s awful wig from all future episodes.”
Another posted: “Can’t she just do her own hair? The wig was not a good look.”
(Image: ITV)
Samantha had insisted the wig was necessary for Bernice due to the lack of a proper hairdresser service.
Speaking on podcast The God Cast, she added: “I can’t do my own hair, it’s very thick. Bernice is obviously a hairdresser, and her look is very coiffed.
“So the make-up department knew I wouldn’t be able to do my hair. The wig was the best option.” But earlier this month, Samantha – who resumed filming on Emmerdale in May – earlier admitted it had been “a nightmare” wearing it.
(Image: ITV)
(Image: Getty Images)
She told This Morning: “I’ve had a lot of flak about it, the wig, actually.”
Samantha has now played Bernice for three stints. She first appeared in 1998 and in her first stint went on to marry vicar Ashley Thomas and had their daughter Gabby.
Bernice memorably cheated on Ashley with her sister Nicola’s fiance Carlos, ultimately culminating with her leaving Emmerdale in 2004.
The redhead made a comeback in 2012 and later opened a salon in the Dales, had romances with Andy Sugden and Lawrence White, and almost married Dr Liam Cavanagh before departing the show once more in 2019.
Bernice made her latest return earlier this year amid Liam’s newfound love with Leyla Harding.
However, despite Bernice making a show on the new couple’s wedding day and trying to prove her own love for Liam, he still married Leyla.
Yet, fans remain convinced that the doctor may still hold a torch for his former love after scenes on the wedding day.
*Emmerdale airs on ITV and this week’s episodes are currently available on ITV Hub.