EastEnders star Clair Norris on Bernie's suspicions over Rainie

EastEnders spoilers follow.

EastEnders star Clair Norris has spoken about her character Bernadette Taylor's latest suspicions over Rainie Highway.

Bernie was recently shocked when Mick Carter falsely claimed that Rainie is using drugs again.

In Thursday night's episode (October 7), Bernie gets the wrong idea when she watches a suspicious encounter between Rainie (Tanya Franks) and Walford returnee Sandy Gibson (Martha Cope).

Bernie wrongly thinks that a drug deal is taking place, so she fears for the future upbringing of the baby she's carrying for Rainie and her husband Stuart.

Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes//BBC

Speaking about the ongoing story, Clair explained: "When Mick told Bernie that Rainie is using again, a mixture of emotions overcame her. She feels hurt and angry and thinks – how can this be happening to her while she's carrying Rainie's baby?

"There's a lot of confusion as to why Rainie would ever put herself in that situation and Bernie's maternal side kicks in.

"Bernie has no reason to not believe Mick. They haven't had much contact with each other, so Mick coming forward to her and her family feels serious and she doesn't even consider that Mick could be lying."

Asked why Bernie's suspicions are growing, Clair replied: "After Rainie's behaviour towards the Carters, it definitely shows a side of her that Bernie hasn't seen yet.

rainie highway and bernie taylor in eastenders

Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes//BBC

"I think that makes Bernie question why she's acting like that. Is she genuinely having a breakdown due to the Abi and Max situation or is this the drugs?"

Clair noted that Karen's fears over how her daughter would be able to cope with the pregnancy seem to be coming true.

She added: "Karen sees how emotional she is getting. She refers to the baby as 'her baby' without a second thought so there is a very strong attachment."

Last week, it was revealed that Bernie will be taking a break from EastEnders as part of this storyline, but further details are staying under wraps for now.

EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.