EastEnders fans believe they have worked out how Bernie Taylor will leave the soap, following the confirmation that actress Clair Norris has been axed after eight years. Bernie, played by Norris, is the last remaining member of the Taylor family on Albert Square, following the departure of her mother Karen in 2023 and the murder of her brother Keanu on Christmas Day.
According to The Sun, Bernie's exit storyline did not come as a surprise to Norris. A source told the publication: 'Every time a soap gets a new boss they want to make their own changes – it's nothing personal. The writing has been on the wall for Bernie for some time so it wasn't really a surprise to Clair.'
An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed the news, stating: 'We can confirm that Clair will be leaving EastEnders later this year and we wish her all the best for the future.'
Fans have taken to social media to predict how the character will bow out, with many hoping for a happy ending. Some have pointed to a 'forgotten storyline' from Bernie's early days, when she took up chess and even started a chess club at school. One Reddit user suggested: 'Maybe she will end up going on a tour around the world as a famous chess player? That was a thing everyone forgot about quickly.'
Another fan expressed hope that the character would leave on a positive note, saying: 'I hope the dramatic storyline won't end result in another dead child for Karen. In fact, I hope Bernie gets to leave the Square in a good position with her head held high.'
