Latest news with #ClairNorris
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders star Clair Norris breaks silence on shock axing - and reveals she's already filmed her 'dramatic' exit
EastEnders actress Clair Norris has opened up about her emotional departure from the long-running BBC One soap. The star, 27, who joined the cast in 2017 as Bernie Taylor, is leaving the show after eight years. Her exit follows the gradual departure of the entire Taylor family, prompting show bosses to write out her much-loved character, news that left Clair devastated. Despite the disappointment, Clair shared that she's now looking forward to what the future holds. Speaking to The Sun, 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. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The star, 27, who joined the cast in 2017 as Bernie Taylor, is leaving the show after eight years (pictured on the soap) She added: 'They gave me the opportunity to learn on the job and also now I am able to 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.' While keeping quiet on the specifics of her exit, which she filmed last month, Clair teased a dramatic departure, hinting that fans may see a return of 'bad Bernie'. When asked whether her on-screen mum Karen (played by Lorraine Stanley) might return, Clair responded coyly 'Maybe, maybe not'. Clair, who joined her EastEnders co-stars in celebrating their eight wins at the British Soap Awards, revealed she is now figuring out her next steps. However, she added that she's 'open to anything,' and said that exploring theatre or appearing in a drama would be 'great'. Last month, it was confirmed that the star will exit the soap later this year. A source told The Sun: 'Every time a soap gets a new boss they want to make their own changes - it's nothing personal. Speaking at the awards, 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' '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.' EastEnders said in their official comment: 'We can confirm that Clair will be leaving EastEnders later this year and we wish her all the best for the future.' The BBC soap isn't the only programme that Clair has starred in over the years. During her five-month break between October 2021 and March 2022, she was able to focus on some other projects. In 2022 she took on the role of a drunk girl in the sitcom Bloods. The same year she also played Kerry in the drama Tell Me Everything. The star has also played herself in a number of shows including The Weakest Link in 2021. She also starred in her own Panorama documentary called Obesity: Who Cares if I'm Bigger? In 2022.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
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. 3 3 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." 3 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.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
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, 3 Bernie Taylor actress Clair Norris is gutted to be leaving EastEnders Credit: BBC 3 The actress has been in Walford for eight years Credit: Alamy However despite future . Speaking on the '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." READ MORE ON CLAIR NORRIS 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 ." Most read in Soaps 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." 3 Despite the sadness, Clair is now excited for what the future holds Credit: Getty 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
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders star says ‘what a way to end' as she breaks silence on shock axe after eight years
EASTENDERS legend has broken her silence after being sensationally axed from the soap. The actress, who has been on the Square for eight years, shared her emotional reaction with fans after her final scenes aired. 6 6 6 The fan favourite, played by Clair Norris, bowed out as Bernie Taylor in a heart-breaking twist after nearly a decade in Albert Square. Her final scenes saw Bernie say an emotional goodbye to Walford, leaving fans gutted over her unexpected exit - and speculating over whether it's really the last we'll see of her. The 27-year-old joined her fellow castmates at this year's British Soap Awards - where the EastEnders won a total of 8 awards. This included wins for Best British Soap, Best Single Episode and Scene of the Year for Angie Watts' surprise return. Glammed up in a gorgeous teal dress, Clair posted a photos of herself on the red carpet on Instagram. She wrote in the caption: "My last @thebritishsoapawards with my EE family. We [broom emoji] up last night, 8 awards & I couldn't be prouder to be apart of this team! What a way to end this amazing journey, head held high & beaming from ear to ear." Clair was supported by both fans as colleagues in her post, with James Farrar, who plays Zack Hudson writing: "Head held HIGH". Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell, commented: "Love you". And Elijah Holloway, who plays Harry Mitchell, said: "We looked lovely didn't we." The BBC soap has been going through a transition stage with new producer Ben Wadey taking over. The Sun revealed the beloved character's exit back in May. However, it didn't come as a surprise to star Clair as she said: "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.' Bernie first arrived in Walford in 2017 alongside mum Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and brother Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). However, she's the last one of her family members left on the Square with her mum Karen leaving EastEnders in 2023, shortly followed by the murder of her brother Keanu on Christmas Day. While the Taylors are be gone, the Branning family is getting a boost. Actor Jake Wood is returning to the show as Max Branning after a four year absence. And he won't be returning alone. The BBC soap is set to begin rebuilding one of its main families with the Brannings to take centre stage once more. Max's comeback will also see his son Oscar arrive in Walford for the first time since 2017 - and he's being played by a brand new recast. Actor Pierre Moullier will play the now teenage Oscar taking over the role from Charlee Hall who last appeared in eight years ago. A source said: 'It is an exceptional bout of casting - Pierre looks more like a younger Jake than Jake did himself. It's uncanny. 'He's going to bring something new to Oscar and the character will definitely set the cat amongst the pigeons in the Square.' 6 6 6
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders star wows in daring top as she enjoys exotic holiday after it's revealed she's been axed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN EASTENDERS favourite has stunned fans in a daring top while soaking up the sun on an exotic getaway. The actress, 27, appeared to be putting the drama behind her as she posed in a Jamaican paradise. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Clair Norris jetted off to Jamaica after she was axed from EastEnders Credit: Instagram / @clair_norris 5 Clair has played Bernie Taylor for the last eight years Credit: Instagram / @clair_norris Bernie Taylor star Clair Norris looked worlds away from Walford as she struck a pose in a plunging red top during her tropical holiday. The actress captioned the snap: ''Had worst Mondays' hurts when you're back home," and added Trelawny Jamaica as her location. She beamed at the camera while wearing a chic up do hairstyle and stylish dark sunglasses on the top of her head. She posed with her boyfriend of six years, Lewis Wood, who was sporting a sky blue and yellow football shirt. The soap star, who has played Bernie since 2017, appeared carefree and glowing in the sunshine - just days after news broke that she's been written out of EastEnders. Her character will be leaving the Square later this year in a dramatic storyline. Fans were quick to flood her comments with support with many calling her a 'beautiful' and begging bosses to rethink the axing. The BBC soap has been going through a transition stage of late with outgoing boss Chris Clenshaw leaving and new producer Ben Wadey taking over. A source said: '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. EastEnders fans rage at bosses for bring back villain saying 'they've run out of ideas' '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.' However, The Sun revealed last week that while the Taylors will soon be gone, the Branning family is getting a boost. Actor Jake Wood is returning to the show as Max Branning after a four year absence. The BBC also accidentally leaked a major spoiler earlier this week that has shown the Queen Vic being put up for auction just weeks after it was rebuilt and reopened after the February explosion. Soap's most harrowing teen storylines We take a look at other harrowing teen soap storylines from soaps Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. Belle Dingle's schizophrenia in Emmerdale - Belle's (Eden Taylor-Draper) traumatic journey in Emmerdale took a dark turn when, after accidentally killing her best friend Gemma at just 16, her mental health began to spiral. The storyline, which saw Belle struggling with her grief and guilt, showcased her battle with hearing Gemma's voice inside her head, leading to a dramatic decline in her well-being. Hannah Ashworth's anorexia in Hollyoaks - Viewers were horrified as they watched Hannah (Emma Rigby), a seemingly innocent teen, spiral into dangerous behavior, starving herself in an attempt to achieve what she thought was the ideal body. As Hannah's condition worsened, the storyline became more intense, culminating in her being hospitalised for two months as she fought for her life. Bethany Platt's grooming ordeal in Coronation Street - Vulnerable schoolgirl, played by Lucy Fallon, was at the centre of one of Corrie's darkest storylines to date when she fell under the spell of her older boyfriend and sexual predator. The controversial scenes saw Nathan groom and manipulate the 16-year-old before coercing her into sleeping with his friends, with one of them raping her. Whitney Dean's abuse from Tony in EastEnders - Since the age of 12, she had been in a twisted relationship with her stepmum Bianca's boyfriend, Tony King. The predator had groomed young Whit (Shona McGarty), making her believe she was in love and planning to run away with him. On her 16th birthday, the traumatised teen finally revealed the years of abuse to Bianca. Tony was swiftly sent to prison sentenced for 13 years. EX-EastEnders star Max Bowden is also making a shock return two years after he was axed. The actor, who played Ben Mitchell, will get a guest stint in the coming months, with a possible full-time role if all goes well. Then-showrunner Chris Clenshaw gave Max the boot at the end of 2023 during a showdown over his party lifestyle. But he has been given another chance by the BBC soap's new boss Ben Wadey. A source said: 'Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one. It's taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.' 5 She posed with her boyfriend Lewis Wood, who she has been with for six years Credit: Instagram / @clair_norris 5 Clair's shock exit comes as she is the only remaining member of her family left on the Square Credit: BBC
