EastEnders confirms shock exit for popular character – after 8 years in Walford
The character will be leaving Albert Square later this year.
EastEnders has confirmed that Bernadette ‘Bernie’ Taylor (Clair Norris) will be leaving Albert Square after 8 years.
The character, who is the daughter of Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley), has been a familiar face in Walford since her arrival in 2017.
A spokesperson for the BBC One soap has confirmed to RadioTimes.com that the character will be leaving Walford later this year.
“We can confirm that Clair will be leaving EastEnders later this year and we wish her all the best for the future," the spokesperson said.
Bernie has faced her fair share of challenges in recent years, with her mum Karen departing from Albert Square in 2023, followed by the murder of her brother Keanu on Christmas Day.
It’s been a big year for coming and goings in the show, largely thanks to the 40th Anniversary which was celebrated back in February, and saw Martin Fowler (James Bye) killed off in the wreckage caused by an explosion at The Queen Vic pub.
And in today's episode (Thursday 22nd May), it was confirmed that a further three characters are leaving Albert Square – at least for now.
However, while a handful of characters are making their exit from Walford, the BBC's Head of Continuing Drama Kate Oates recently teased that a familiar face could be returning to the Square soon.
Speaking at the winner's press conference after the soap took home the prize for Best Soap and Continuing Drama at the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards earlier in May, Oates revealed: "If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed, because there's potentially one on the cards."
She added: "There are some really big stories coming up and if it's a return you're after, then you might be interested in what's on the horizon."
Read more:
- EastEnders airs emotional affair fallout for Jean Slater in iPlayer release
- EastEnders boss says soap is exploring "uncharted territory" under new producer
- EastEnders boss teases character return, says fans won't "be disappointed"
- EastEnders' Danny Dyer recalls his favourite ever Mick Carter storyline
- Danny Dyer says EastEnders producer "didn't like the Carters" following soap exit
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
Visit our dedicated Soaps page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.
Authors
Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.
