❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

EastEnders star pays tribute to beloved character as emotional exit episode airs tonight

The iconic coat has been hung up.

Linda Carter, Kathy Cotton and Denise Fox standing in the street in EastEnders looking sad.

BBC

Published: Tuesday, 1 July 2025 at 10:55 am

Download the Radio Times: What to Watch app for daily TV recommendations, features and more

**Warning: Contains major spoilers for today's BBC iPlayer episode of EastEnders (Tuesday 1st July 2025).**

Ad

Clair Norris has bid farewell to EastEnders after Bernadette Taylor's emotional exit debuted on BBC iPlayer this morning.

It was announced in May that Norris would be leaving her role, and in today's episode (1st July), Bernie and Felix Baker (Matthew James Morrison) made their departure from Albert Square.

Bernie was thrust into drama as the Panesar clan learned of her stealing from their family accounts before she told Felix that 'The Six' had covered up Keanu's death, and pleaded with him to start a new life with their family abroad.

While initially hesitant, Bernie told Felix that Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) was complicit in concealing Keanu's murder and it wasn't long before Felix made his decision.

Matthew James Morrison as Felix Baker and Clair Norris as Bernadette Taylor sitting at a table in the cafe, with his hand on hers.

Matthew James Morrison as Felix Baker and Clair Norris as Bernadette Taylor. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, Norris reflected on her time on the soap, writing: "EastEnders was my first audition, and my first job.

"Having come from college and having no experience in this industry, Julia, Wayne and Sean all took a chance on me to play Bernadette Taylor and for that, I can't be thankful enough. Eight years later and honestly this job has changed my life."

The actress expressed she was "so lucky to have met and worked with some amazing people" as she shared her fondness of her EastEnders found family.

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

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Twitter may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Twitter and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Read more:

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

Ad

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

Ad

Ad

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec

Loading...

Ad

Loading...