Red carpet arrivals at the National Television Awards 2017, held at the 02 Arena in London, UK. Pictured: Samantha Giles,Keith Lemon Paddy McGuinness Leigh Francis Kym Marsh Anthony Cotton Laura Jackson Laurie Brett Liam Macaulay Lillie Lexie Gregg Lorne MacFadyen Martin Kemp Martin Roberts Matt Edmondson Matt Terry Melanie Hill Michelle Keegan Mark Wright Myleene Klass Natalie J Robb Natasha Hamilton Nik Speakman Eva Speakman Olivia Buckland Alex Bowen Ollie Locke Penny Lancaster Richard Blackwood Luisa Bradshaw-White Richard Linnell Ross Kemp Ross Worswick Roxy Shahidi Gillian Kearney Rylan Clark-Neal Saara Aalto Sagar Radia Amrita Acharia Sair Khan Sam Faiers Samantha Giles Sarah Cawood Scott Maslen Scott Thomas Kady McDermott Shayne Ward Shona McGarty Sian Williams Sir Tom Jones Zara Holland Ref: SPL1429760 270117 NON-EXCLUSIVE Picture by: SplashNews.com Splash News and Pictures Los Angeles: 310-821-2666 New York: 212-619-2666 London: +44 (0)20 7644 7656 Berlin: +49 175 3764 166 photodesk@splashnews.com World Rights
Soaps

Emmerdale star Samantha Giles calls for change in law over fireworks

The departing soap actress has strong feelings on the subject

Samantha Giles, who plays Bernice Blackstock in Emmerdale, has called for a change in firework laws to protect “frightened” animals.

The star questioned why she could still hear bangers going off last night (November 10, 2019), a full five days after the traditional displays take place on Bonfire Night (November 5).

She has said she wants to see a ban on fireworks for general sale to the public.

Read more: Emmerdale boss reveals huge Christmas spoilers

She wrote on Twitter: “Why are fireworks STILL going on? The law has got to change. Firework displays only on 5th and public organised events only. All those poor animals frightened to death. (sic)”

Sam then shared a tweet from her Emmerdale co-star Michelle Hardwick, which linked to a Parliament petition to prohibit fireworks going on general sale.

Part of the petition states: “Every year more and more people, animals and wildlife get hurt by fireworks. It’s time something was fine to stop this.

“There are enough organised firework groups around for us to still enjoy fireworks safely so please help me stop the needless sale of them to the public!”

Why are fireworks STILL going on? The law has got to change.

At the time of writing, the petition has been signed more than 305,500 times.

If a petition receives more than 100,000 signatures it will be considered for debate in the new Parliament.

This comes just a month after Sam filmed her final Emmerdale scenes.

Samantha and Bernice are heading off for pastures new (Credit: ITV)

The 48-year-old star – who has played Bernice on and off since 1998 – is bowing out of the ITV soap later this year, and while she will miss the cast and crew, she is keen to try her hand at other challenges.

She wrote on Twitter: “Yesterday was my last filming day on Emmerdale.

I shall miss the laughs and have made some great friends. But sometimes it’s good to leave the party when you’re having a good time…”

Read more: Emmerdale star insists he will make a comeback following sacking

Several stars wished her well for the future, including former co-star Gaynor Faye, whose character Megan Macey swapped the Dales for Newcastle in August.

Gaynor – who spent seven years on the soap – tweeted: “Shine on Sam, you’re amazing, can’t wait to catch up with you soon darling.”

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