Why Did Clair Norris and Maisie Smith Leave EastEnders?

As expected there a number of rumours spreading across the internet over why Maisie Smith and Clair Norris have left the BBC One soap.

It was revealed earlier this year (click here to read) after Maisie's success on 2020's Strictly Come Dancing, the young actor/singer had received a number of offers for work, but Maisie was under contract with EastEnders until October 2021.

Understandably Maisie wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there. Speaking about leaving the soap, Maisie said: "I've grown up on EastEnders since 2008, and have learnt from the best over the past 13 years. I'm very excited for my next challenge and thank the BBC for the opportunity they gave me as a 6 year old."

It was revealed that Maisie filmed her final scenes on Friday 8th October as the actor was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a gift to thank her for her years of work in Albert Square.

Thankfully, we shouldn't be seeing Tiffany's exit anytime soon as EastEnders is filmed weeks in advance. But what about Bernie Taylor actor Clair Norris?

Viewers were shocked on Friday after a pregnant Bernie decided to go and live with her brother, Keanu. Bernie is currently pregnant with Rainie and Stuart's baby.

In real life, Clair explained that her character needed to take a break from Walford, but she WILL be back!

Speaking to Digital Spy about Bernie leaving Walford, actor Clair Norris said: "I think that Bernie is overwhelmed with everything and definitely needs some time away to clear her head. She needs a break. I think it will do her good to get away and take care of herself and the baby for a bit. That's her number one priority."

"We know Bernie will be returning to Walford, but who knows what she will be coming back to? She knows how much this is going to hurt Stuart and Rainie, but Bernie is determined to put the baby first."

Clair has been involved in a number of storylines since the return of EastEnders in 2020, so it's perfectly understandable that the actor would need a break, and to be fair she's earned it!

As we have explained a number of times in the past, when a character is heavily used across a number of storylines, it's very important to rest the character off screen.

EastEnders airs weeknights on BBC One.