Latest news with #TaylorFamily
Daily Mail
6 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
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders star AXED after eight years – and it's the end of an era
AN EastEnders favourite has been axed after eight years on the soap - bringing an end to one of the show's most high-profile families. Actress Clair Norris - who plays Bernie Taylor in the BBC soap - will be leaving later this year in a dramatic storyline. 3 3 The star has played Bernie, the daughter of controversial Karen Taylor, since the family made their debut in 2017. 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. '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.' Another insider said: 'Everyone at EastEnders loves Clair but often characters have to leave for new stories to begin, that's the nature of soap. 'Clair will be missed but she will always be part of the EastEnders family.' An EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed the news saying: 'We can confirm that Clair will be leaving EastEnders later this year and we wish her all the best for the future.' With Clair gone, and Felix actor Matthew Morrison also leaving soon as The Sun previously revealed, all traces of the controversial family will be gone. Karen Taylor left last year alongside Mitch and their grandchildren Mia and Mackenzie. Son Keanu was killed off in 2023 in The Six plot, daughter Chantelle was murdered by husband Gray Atkins in 2020, and son Keegan moved to Germany in 2022. EastEnders' Keanu Taylor's body found by his horrified sister Bernie The family of benefits-claiming layabouts were controversial when they arrived in Walford in 2017, with fans being fiercely divided. However, The Sun revealed last week that while the Taylors will soon be gone, the Branning family is getting a boost. 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. 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 to auction just weeks after it was rebuilt and reopened after the February explosion.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gabe Taylor: It means everything to play in Washington like my brother Sean
Gabriel Taylor, the younger brother of Washington great Sean Taylor, is with his big brother's old team at rookie minicamp this weekend, and that means the world to the Taylor family. Asked by reporters on the practice field to explain the feelings of his family when the news arrived that he'd be given a chance to make the team his brother played for, Gabriel Taylor said it was a dream come true. Advertisement "It meant everything. My dad was like, I want you to be a Commander. I want you to be a Commander so bad. I really wanted to come here too," he said. "After the draft I prayed on it and I think I made the right decision." Sean Taylor, who went to Washington with the fifth overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft, looked destined to become a great NFL safety before his life was cut short when an intruder in his house shot and killed him at the age of 24 in 2007. Gabriel Taylor also plays safety, and although he'll have his work cut out to him to make the roster as a rookie minicamp tryout player, he's thrilled just to have an opportunity to play in the same place where his brother played. Gabriel said he was inspired to see his brother's name and jersey number prominently displayed at the team facility. "The 21 jersey on the wall in the equipment room and then you see my brother's name, it's something I feel I've got to do and represent him," he said. Asked what he'd like to be able to say to Sean right now, Gabriel answered, "I know you're damn proud of me."
