Last week’s EastEnders saw the double exit of Bernie Taylor and Felix Baker from Walford, fleeing the Square after robbing the Panesars of their cash. The friends’ exit came as Bernie was caught by Suki… who let her get away anyway.

Felix, meanwhile, decided to leave after feeling let down by Johnny, who betrayed him by… visiting his sick grandmother in hospital? Well, there was also that kiss with Callum.

Having taken the money, Bernie and Felix fled to Spain, leaving their Walford days behind. This marked the end of eight years on EastEnders for Bernie, and three years for Felix.

But did the soap really make the most of them while they were here?

EastEnders fans bemoan ‘wasted’ opportunity following Bernie and Felix exit

Taking to social media in the wake of Bernie and Felix’s double departure, fans shared their thoughts on how their time on the soap had gone. And many felt that the pair deserved better – having been under-served by stories in recent years.

“Bernie and especially Felix were such mishandled and neglected characters over the past few years. It’s good they got a decent exit,” wrote one fan on X.

“Felix and Bernie deserved better storylines tbh & it’s a loss to the ? community regarding visibility on screen. But I’ve loved how they’ve both shone throughout this week though & gone out together. Matthew & Clair have been superb & I wish them all the best luck,” said another.

“Matthew James Morrison is a really good actor and did really well especially in his last couple of episodes and final scenes. Such a shame the show wasted him and hardly let him do anything during his time, hope his next role utilities him much more,” said a third, of Felix.

Of Bernie, another said: “She deserved better.”

Why did actors Clair Norris and Matthew James Morrison leave EastEnders?

The soap confirmed earlier this year that actors Clair Norris and Matthew James Morrison would both be leaving EastEnders.

A source told The Sun: “Every time a soap gets a new boss they want to make their own changes – it’s nothing personal. The writing has been on the wall for Bernie for some time so it wasn’t really a surprise to Clair.”

“She was the last Taylor standing and it’s time to close the chapter on them and let Clair go on to do other things.”

Of Felix’s exit, another source told the tabloid: “It’s never an easy decision for bosses when they have to make the decision for a character to leave. Matthew has been great, but bosses felt the time was right to say goodbye to Felix.”