EastEnders fans are still reeling after the emotional departure of Bernie Taylor, the last remaining member of the Taylor clan on the Square. Played by Clair Norris since 2017, Bernie’s final scenes brought tears to loyal viewers as she said goodbye to Walford after eight incredible years. The farewell marked the end of an era for the Taylor family—one filled with heart, humour, and hard-hitting drama.

Clair Norris, 27, confirmed her exit shortly after her final scenes aired, sharing an emotional post on Instagram. Dressed to impress at the 2025 British Soap Awards, she celebrated the show’s eight award wins and reflected on her journey: “What a way to end this amazing journey, head held high & beaming from ear to ear.” Support flooded in from fans and fellow cast members, with co-stars James Farrar, Emma Barton, and Elijah Holloway offering their love and praise.

Bernie’s departure comes as new EastEnders boss Ben Wadey takes the reins, bringing in bold changes and fresh direction. While Bernie’s exit may have shocked fans, insiders revealed it wasn’t a surprise to Clair. “Every time a soap gets a new boss, they want to make their own changes,” said a source. “It’s nothing personal. Bernie’s story had come to a natural end.”

Bernie first stepped into Walford in 2017 with her larger-than-life mother Karen (Lorraine Stanley) and brothers Keanu (Danny Walters) and Keegan. Over the years, she grew from a shy teenager into a strong, principled woman, capturing hearts with her surrogacy storyline, LGBTQ+ representation, and unwavering loyalty to her family. With Keanu murdered and Karen long gone, Bernie’s exit feels like the closing of a beloved chapter in EastEnders history.

But while one door closes, another is set to open wide. Fans can look forward to a huge twist as EastEnders prepares for the return of Max Branning, played by Jake Wood. After a four-year absence, Max is coming back to Walford—this time with his now-teenage son Oscar, played by newcomer Pierre Moullier. Oscar hasn’t been seen since 2017, and his return marks the beginning of a major Branning family revival.

Sources tease that Oscar’s arrival will “set the cat amongst the pigeons” and that Moullier’s resemblance to Jake Wood is “uncanny.” This new dynamic could reignite old rivalries and shake up the Square in unpredictable ways, especially with Lauren Branning and Peter Beale’s turbulent storyline also unfolding.

As EastEnders moves forward with a new wave of characters and plot twists, the legacy of Bernie Taylor remains firmly etched in Walford’s history. Her departure may be heartbreaking, but her impact won’t be forgotten—and with the Brannings stepping back into the spotlight, viewers can expect fireworks ahead.

Stay tuned as the drama continues to unfold on EastEnders, weeknights on BBC One.