Emmerdale star Jonny McPherson has spoken for the first time about the upcoming departure of Bernice Blackstock.
The actor's character Liam Cavanagh is currently engaged to Bernice, but their relationship appears to be doomed following the big news that Samantha Giles has left the ITV soap.
Speaking about the recent announcement, Jonny commented: "I'm massively sad. I feel hugely grateful that I was paired up with Sam from the outset.
"You don't have any choice over who you'll be paired up with, so I feel hugely fortunate to have worked with somebody as funny, fun and professional. She's really, really good – a great actress and she plays a classic Emmerdale character.
Related: Emmerdale clarifies Maya Stepney's future after shock return
"When I first started, it felt like such an honour. Then as you get to know somebody, you become mates and enjoy the work. I'm massively sad to see her go."
What to Read Next
Next week's Emmerdale episodes see Liam and Bernice celebrate at their stag and hen parties as the big day grows closer.
Sadly, storm clouds seem to be gathering as Bernice ends up with several missed calls on her phone during the celebration, a hint that something may be wrong. Her daughter Dee Dee eventually takes an important call, before sharing a revelation that could change everything.
Related: 8 huge Emmerdale spoilers for next week
Show bosses aren't revealing what the bombshell is, but Jonny teased: "It's a pretty earth-shattering, seismic announcement, but you'll have to wait and see.
"The news is sufficiently punchy that Bernice decides there's no other course of action than to run to The Woolpack and drag Liam out."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our Emmerdale homepage
Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest Emmerdale spoilers, as Marlon punches Graham, and Bernice's wedding week looks set to go wrong.
50 Years of Emmerdale: The official Story of TV's most iconic rural drama
Request video message from selected Emmerdale stars past and present
If the Cap Fits: My Rocky Road to Emmerdale by Steve Halliwell
![Emmerdale Farm - Vol. 1 [DVD] [1972]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1568651758-515sfWjRcqL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Emmerdale Farm - Vol. 1 [DVD] [1972]")
![Emmerdale - The Dingles For Richer For Poorer [DVD]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1568651981-51KI1Ifvg-L.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Emmerdale - The Dingles For Richer For Poorer [DVD]")
Emmerdale - The Dingles For Richer For Poorer [DVD]
Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.
