It’s curtains for Albert Square favourite Bernie Taylor, with star Clair Norris confirmed to be leaving the popular BBC soap after an impressive eight years in Walford

EastEnders star Clair Norris is reportedly set to leave the BBC soap after eight years on screen. The star is best known for playing Albert Square resident Bernie Taylor, who originally arrived in Walford alongside mum Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and late brother Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).

It’s been a tricky few years for Bernie however, with her mum Karen leaving Albert Square in 2023, shortly followed by the murder of her brother Keanu on Christmas Day. According to The Sun, Bernie’s exit storyline didn’t come as a surprise to star Clair.

Clair Norris has played the role of Bernadette Taylor in EastEnders since June 2017 ( 
Image:
BBC)

A source recently told The Sun: “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.”

“She was the last Taylor standing and it’s time to close the chapter on them and let Clair go on to do other things.”

While another insider told the publication that “characters have to leave for new stories to begin” but that Clair will be missed.

A spokeswoman for EastEnders said: “We can confirm that Clair will be leaving EastEnders later this year and we wish her all the best for the future.”

It’s been a busy week in Albert Square, with fans fearing that Teddy Mitchell could be next to leave the soap.

With a dramatic car crash coming up on the soap, a trailer of the accident teased danger ahead for one Albert Square resident.

Spoilers for next week revealed that Teddy is involved and now fans are worried that his time in Walford may come to an end – particularly as star Roland Manookian has a new project coming out.

“Teddy’s actor has a new project coming up on his IMBD. It’d be a shame to lose him so early in the game.”

Another fan predicted: “Teddy- this would make the most sense as Zach could bond with Barney Nicola could try to blame Shireen’s death on him & it would send Harry into a spiral.”

Another said: “I think Teddy is going to die – only because I want Nicola to go back to prison so that Harry and Shireen can get justice.