EastEnders fans shocked by Bernie Taylor star's red carpet transformation

23 October 2018, 12:04 | Updated: 23 October 2018, 15:54

The 20-year-old actress looked completely different from scruffy student alter-ego Bernadette Taylor.

EastEnders fans did a double take when they saw actress Clair Norris at last night's Inside Soap Awards.

The 20-year-old looked a world away from her Walford alter-ego Bernadette Taylor, the scruffy schoolgirl who is rarely seen without her lilac raincoat.

Clair wowed in a floor-length black gown with sequins sparkling in the flash of the camera lens.

She put her long hair into a tight plaited bun and completed her look with a matching black sequinned clutch bag.

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Clair was attacked by cruel trolls earlier this year but the actress had the perfect response after seeing negative comments focusing on her body size.

She hit back: "Don't normally react, but I have seen some really nasty comments on pictures from soap awards regarding my size... I could get upset but when I put it into perspective, I just laugh.

"I love my job and I get to do something that I am so passionate about EVERYDAY and with the support from family and friends I am living my best life."

The role of Bernadette Taylor marks Clair's first TV appearance.

Speaking of landing the EastEnders job, she explained: "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."

After bursting on to Albert Square in June 2017, the character has had more than her fair share of trouble and woes including pregnancy, miscarriage and family abuse.

Read more: EastEnder's Bernadette Taylor actress shows off hidden talent