EastEnders star Diane Parish has shared a sweet tribute to co-star Clair Norris following the latter’s exit.

The actor departed Albert Square last night for a new life in Spain alongside Felix Baker with money stolen from the Panesars.

Diane’s character Denise Fox has been an on-screen enemy for Bernie over the past year following Keanu’s death and her role as part of The Six, though Diane has now posted a sweet tribute to her fellow star.

Responding to a video showing Clair’s last day on set, she called the actor “a wonderful talent”, adding: “Blown me away with her comedic and dramatic performances. Gonna miss her bright and positive energy. Go well beautiful girl.”

Clair herself also paid tribute to Felix actor Matthew James Morrison, writing in a separate Instagram post: “Bernie &👸🏼B… @matthew_james_morrison I truly believe our paths crossed for a reason.

“I couldn’t have been more thankful to have you by my side on our last block. What a rollercoaster it was but hand in hand we did it!!!”

“I love you Clair Hayley Norris,” he wrote in response, to which Clair replied with tear and heart emojis: “Stop.”

Diane also wrote on Clair’s post, calling her and Matthew “two of the most genuinely beautiful people within and without”.

The actor’s departure as Bernie was confirmed back in May, an EastEnders spokesperson saying at the time that they “wish her all the best for the future”.

Clair later opened up about saying goodbye to Walford, telling The Sun: “Obviously it’s upsetting but also I’d been there for eight years, which is a long time to play a character, and I have absolutely loved being in the show.

“They gave me the opportunity to learn on the job and also now I am able take that onto other things that I do. Of course it’s sad but at the same time it felt like a natural end, with the Taylors being gone, it kind of felt right. I’m now very excited about the future.”