EASTENDERS actress Clair Norris has broken her silence on her soap exit.

The star has played the role of Bernadette Taylor in the BBC soap opera for eight years but her final scenes are now playing out today.

It marks the end of an era for the Walford-based soap, as her exit brings an end to the Taylor family, with all characters from the show having left or been axed by show bosses.

Actress Clair has now shared a heartfelt message about her time on the show as she bids farewell to Albert Square.

Taking to social media, the star penned: “My last ep airs tonight
& with that comes a flood of memories…

“EastEnders was my first audition, and my first job.

“Having come from college & having no experience in this industry, Julia, Wayne & Sean all took a chance on me to play Bernadette Taylor & for that, I can’t be thankful enough.

“8 years later and honestly this job, has changed my life.”

Clair continued: “It’s true what they all said at the beginning, EastEnders is one big family & I’m so lucky to have met and worked with some amazing people.

“I will always have an attachment to Bernie, she represents so many girls out there who wear their heart of their sleeves and don’t quite fit in…no offence to anyone who wear purple coats…

“I have adored playing her and she will forever hold a special place in my heart.

“This has been the best first role ever!!!”

Bernie departed on-screen alongside her cousin Felix Baker.

Viewers discovered last week how Bernie had been stealing from the Panesars after being left over-all control of the business empire by Nish after his death at Christmas.

Realising what was going on, Ravi and Vinny set a trap for Bernie to expose her as the thief – giving her another chance to steal from them.

But they had no idea Bernie wasn’t planning to stick around to face the consequences.

She packed her bags and convinced Felix to come with her

Having fallen for Ravi and Vinny’s trap and taken another £25,000 from the Panesar businesses, Bernie and Felix were set to leave.

But as they headed to the cab, Suki got in the way and stopped them with other members of The Six watching.

“She stole from me,” said Suki.

“No, you did,” hit back Bernie. “You all did. You stole from me and my family. Something that I can never get back.”

Kathy and Linda begged Suki to let Bernie go with the cash, and she stepped aside.

Bernie and Felix climbed into the cab and drove off – just as Ravi emerged to watch the shocking development.