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EastEnders fans fume Bernie and Felix 'deserved better' after 'disappointing' double exit

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EastEnders fans were left in tears during tonight's episode, as cousinsBernie Taylor and Felix Baker said goodbye to Walford.

However, fans were left disappointed that the two had been "underused" as characters prior to their exit announcements, despite being big characters when they first joined.

Bernie, who arrived in 2017, was part of a hard-hitting surrogate storyline where she suffered a tragic miscarriage. She also played a huge part in the The Six storyline during Christmas 2023.

READ MORE: EastEnders' Ravi Gulati's next victim 'sealed' after Bernie's exit - and it's not Joel

READ MORE: EastEnders' Ben Mitchell's 'return imminent' as Callum cheats with Johnny in shock twist

Felix was brought in as the soap's first show's first regular drag queen character in 2022, although fans hadn't seen much of him, or Tara before the lead up to his exit.

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Tonight, fans were left fearing for Bernie, after it was revealed she had been stealing from the Panesars business accounts - but luckily, she managed to escape for Spain before Ravi got to her. Although Felix initially planned to stay in Walford with his boyfriend Johnny, he was left heartbroken when he caught him kissing Callum in the Albert.

He then confronted him about Keanu Taylor's murder, in which he admitted he knew his mum Linda was the one to end Keanu's life. It all got too much for Felix, as he ran to join Bernie in the taxi dressed as drag queen alter-ego Tara Misu. "Tara's too big for this town," he said.

Bernie's departure also signalled a seeming end forEastEnders' The Six storyline, as Suki asked her to give the money she had stolen from her family back before leaving. However, Kathy, Denise and Linda persuaded Suki to let her go, after they were involved in the death of her brother Keanu.

"And you have got it all. Everything that you ever wanted. You can be who you are with the woman that you love. This money is a drop in the ocean to get away with what you did, to move on, to finally let me, my mum, my family, to be finally free of this," Bernie could be heard telling Suki and The Six.

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Bernie and Felix then headed off in a taxi in the midst of the Pride celebrations as the tune Proud played in the background. Ravi was seen attempting to run after the taxi - but it seemed like he was too late. However, fans were left disappointed that it was Ravi who got the 'duff duff' not Bernie and Felix.

After the episode aired, fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter to express their sadness over Felix and Bernie's departure. "A beautiful episode and exit for Bernie. A real force of nature who'll be missed so much. I wish she was given a better exit storyline and I really wanted Bernie to have another relationship. I miss the Taylor family," wrote one.

Another wrote: "Phenomenal performances from @clair_norris + @matt_james_morr this wk - am so sad this is how it all ended for the Taylor-Bakers, such a brilliant family + such a waste to lose them all - but they've both been amazing to the end + should be so proud of themselves," as a third dissapointed fan penned: "It's a bit disappointing that Bernie and Felix didn't get the duff duff for their final episode."

"Bernie and Felix were absolutely brilliant today - they’ve been so underused really, but I’m glad Clair and Matthew got time to really shine this week," said a fourth.

Clair took to social media to address her exit today, as she wrote: "My last ep airs tonight, and 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.

"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," she continued.

"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!"

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. *

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