User:AnemoneProjectors/Bernadette Taylor

Bernadette Taylor is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Clair Norris. She makes her first apperance in episode 5511, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2017, along with her mother, Karen Taylor and brothers Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), Riley Taylor (Tom Jacobs) and Chatham Taylor (Alfie Jacobs).

Storylines
Bernadette and her family move into Albert Square, having moved from Walford Towers. The residents are horrified by their rowdy behaviour. Bernadette avoids going to school and complains of being ill and her favourite foods not tasting right, so her mother, Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) realises she could be pregnant and takes her to Dr Natasha Black (Rachel Bavidge), who confirms she is pregnant. Karen is against Bernadette keeping the baby but later tells Bernadette is it her own choice, but Karen worries about how the family will afford to raise another child. When Bernadette's half-brothers, Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) and Keegan Baker (Zack Morris) argue over whether Bernadette is really ill, Karen reveals that Bernadette is pregnant. Keegan calls her stupid while Keanu is supportive. Karen later overhears Keanu telling Bernadette that he will support her financially and keep their secret. This leads to Karen asking Keanu if he is the father, but at the same time, Bernadette meets Callum (Shaun Aylward), a boy in her year at school, telling him she is pregnant. Callum is scared of how his abusive father will react but Bernadette insists nobody else will find out, and Callum offers Bernadette the £16 in his bank account and asks if they should get married. Bernadette is upset when she is accidentally egged and tramples flowers in frustration. When asked by Ingrid Solberg (Pernille Broch) why she has done it, she says she wanted to destroy something pretty. Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), who planted the flowers for Walford in Bloom, discovers what Bernadette did. Bernadette apologises and agrees to help plant more flowers.

Casting and introduction
The character of Bernadette and Norris's casting were announced on 10 May 2017, along with other members of the Taylor family, Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley), Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), Riley Taylor (Tom Jacobs) and Chatham Taylor (Alfie Jacobs). Bernadette was Norris's first ever audition and is her first television role. Of her casting, Norris said, "I'm so excited to go on a journey with my character Bernadette, and to be a part of the Taylor family. I never in a million years thought my first TV role would be in EastEnders. It's surreal but I'm ever so grateful to be given the opportunity and I can't wait to see the audience's reaction to us." Sean O'Connor, the executive producer of EastEnders who introduced the family, stated that he was "hugely excited" at the arrival of the Taylors, calling them "noisy, brash and not-to-be-messed-with", and revealing that Karen has brought up her children, including Bernedette, with no support or money, but said that they "have love and warmth in spades".

O'Connor later said that the Taylors "feel very different to the other characters" and "they bring the breath of fresh air that the Jacksons did". He added, "The writers are loving writing for them as they're such great characters and they're all played by amazing actors."

Characterisation
Bernadette is 15 years old upon joining the series. Upon the character's announcement, it was said that Bernadette has "little interest in anything other than sitting around the house and dreaming of being famous." Norris called Bernadette a "typical teenager" who does not want to attend school but would rather watch reality television at home. Bernadette sees fame as the best way for her to make money, so she thinks she has no need for an education, though her mother forces her to go. Allison Jones from Inside Soap called Bernadette a "dreamer", while Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy called her "lazy".