There was a surprise return among all the drama.

By Helen Daly

Published: Monday, 25 December 2023 at 22:15 PM


While all eyes are undoubtedly on the Queen Vic this Christmas Day, there are a barrage of other storylines going on around Albert Square.

In the opening moments of the Christmas special, poor Bernie Taylor (played by Clair Norris) could be seen by herself on Christmas Day.

After her family left her earlier in the year following the fall-out from the explosive reveal about Karen (Lorraine Stanley) being heavily involved in the drama around the kidnap of Albie, Bernie decided to stay in Albert Square, but it was difficult to be around her brother, Keanu (Danny Walters).

While Bernie sulked, cold and alone on the big day, she was heartened to get a call from her mum and Mitch (Roger Griffiths) from their sunny spot in Spain.

It’s safe to say she was overwhelmed with emotion to see Karen and Mitch, who looked extremely well, and while she fought tears from not wanting to reveal how she was really feeling, viewers knew she was devastated.

She begged them to come home, but Karen explained it simply wasn’t possible, especially not while Phil (Steve McFadden) was on the Square.

As Karen and Mitch said their goodbyes, Bernie was resolved to make Keanu pay for how he’s torn their family apart – and that’s exactly what she did.

Storming round to Phil’s, Bernie told him everything about the kidnap, hoping she could clear her mum’s name and bring her family back to her.

It’s this event that was the catalyst to the episode, during which Sharon (Letitia Dean) finally told Keanu he isn’t Albie’s father – Phil is.

After all, since Keanu tore her world apart, Bernie certainly tore his apart, too.

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