EastEnders' Clair Norris breaks silence on exit as she shares sweet message for co-star

Former Eastenders cast member Clair Norris has broken her silence on her departure from the BBC soap this week. The actor has left the show alongside co-star Matthew James Morrison, with their final scenes having aired last night.

Clair, 27, had played Bernie Taylor on the show since 2017. The latest episode saw the character was seen getting into the back of a taxi with cousin Felix Baker, played by Matthew, 33, as they headed to the airport for a new life abroad.

Ahead of the episode, Clair confirmed her exit after eight years and reflected on her experience as a cast member in a post on Instagram yesterday. It included a photo of her in a dressing room whilst working on the show.

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She wrote: "My last ep airs tonight & with that comes a flood of memories… Eastenders was my first audition, and my first job. Having come from college & having no experience in this industry, Julia, Wayne & Sean all took a chance on me to play Bernadette Taylor & for that, I can't be thankful enough.

"8 years later and honestly this job, has changed my life. It's true what they all said at the beginning, Eastenders is one big family & I'm so lucky to have met and worked with some amazing people."

She added: "I will always have an attachment to Bernie, she represents so many girls out there who wear their heart of their sleeves and don't quite fit in…no offence to anyone who wear purple coats …I have adored playing her and she will forever hold a special place in my heart. This has been the best first role ever!!!"

Following the episode, Clair paid tribute to co-star Matthew, who has yet to post about his exit on the platform. She shared photos of them together from the filming of their characters' joint departure from Albert Square, with his character Felix dressed up as his drag persona Tara.

Clair wrote: "Bernie & [princess emoji] B… @matthew_james_morrison I truly believe our paths crossed for a reason. I couldn't have been more thankful to have you by my side on our last block. What a rollercoaster it was but hand in hand we did it!!!"

Bernie was seen getting a taxi to the airport with Felix at the end of last night's episode after she stole money from the Panesar family. She embezzled more than £20,000 through her role overseeing their business empire.

Her actions were in retaliation for matriarch Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) and her friends being involved in the death of Bernie's late brother Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), which they covered up. She had previously tried to expose them.

Felix had initially told Bernie that he wouldn't leave with her but later changed his mind. It came after he discovered his partner Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) had known the truth about Keanu's death. When he went to confront him, Felix saw Johnny kissing Callum Highway (Tony Clay).

As the episode drew to a close, Bernie and Felix's taxi arrived as Suki tried to stop them. She was eventually convinced to let them leave with the stolen money in light of Keanu's death. The pair were then seen leaving in the taxi.

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