EastEnders airs poignant Karen Taylor and Mitch Baker return for Bernie
There was a surprise return among all the drama.
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.
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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.
Read more:
- Who do you think dies and kills in the EastEnders Christmas special?
- EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw previews Christmas 2023 and The Six aftermath
- EastEnders' Letitia Dean on whether Sharon can forgive Keanu for kidnap secret
- EastEnders' Gillian Taylforth on Kathy and Rocky: "She can’t live with the constant lies"
- EastEnders' Diane Parish teases "heartbreak" in Christmas episode
- EastEnders' Lacey Turner on whether Stacey will kill again: "She will do whatever it takes to protect Eve"
- EastEnders' Balvinder Sopal: "People will be on the edge of their seats"
- EastEnders' Kellie Bright: "The body wasn't who I thought it would be"
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.
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Authors
Helen Daly is the Associate Editor for Radio Times, overseeing new initiatives and commercial projects for the brand. She was previously Deputy TV Editor at a national publication. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.
