EastEnders star Clair Norris admits she's ‘upset' over axing – and has already filmed her ‘dramatic' exit
EASTENDERS star Clair Norris has opened up about her devastating exit from the hit BBC One soap, admitting that she was upset by the decision to axe her.
The actress, 27, joined the cast as Bernie Taylor back in 2017, but following the departure of her entire family over the last few years, the soap's top boss decided to axe her much-loved character.
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However despite the 'upsetting' decision, Clair now says she's excited for the future.
Speaking on the red carpet at the British Soap Awards, which is being screened on ITV1 tomorrow night at 8pm, she said: 'Obviously it's upsetting but also I'd been there for eight years, which is a long time to play a character, and I have absolutely loved being in the show.
'They gave me the opportunity to learn on the job and also now I am able take that onto other things that I do.
'Of course it's sad but at the same time it felt like a natural end, with the Taylors being gone, it kind of felt right. I'm now very excited about the future."
Clair revealed how she took her character's iconic coat as a memento as well as the Walford Pride t-shirt she wore during the soap's first ever gay pride event.
She said: "I have taken Bernie's coat. It was so iconic! And also the t-shirt that Bernie wore for Pride with 'Walford Pride' on it, little bits here and there. Also her badge when it was her birthday."
The actress was keeping tight-lipped about the exact details of her exit, which she filmed last month, but teased that 'bad Bernie' will be back.
She said: "My exit is very Bernie, and it's back to bad Bernie. It's very dramatic, and must-watch, I've already filmed my exit and it will play out later this summer."
So could we see the return of your mum Karen? "I couldn't possibly say! Maybe, maybe not, you'll all have to watch."
Clair celebrated with the rest of the Albert Square cast, who picked up a whooping eight gongs on the night, and is now planning her next move.
Clair Norris looks worlds away from her character in stunning holiday snaps
She said: "My plan is to work out what I want to do. EastEnders is the only thing I've ever done, so all I know is soap.
'I came from college and went straight into it. I think having a varied career, going into theatre would be great, and also, doing a drama would be great. I'm open to anything.
'I've just been on holiday which was great and the perfect timing. And now I'm back it's about getting cracking with show reels and self tapes."
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EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman - Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley - Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French - French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer - Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves - Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi - Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp - Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show.
Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
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