Bullies made me a better actor
New show about obesity
Not all overweight people are lazy and just
shove food in
do need more support’.
“But ultimately what I would love from this is more understanding, for people to be kinder, and the stigma and assumptions people have about being overweight to change.”
Clair joined Eastenders as Bernie in 2017 straight from acting college in Dartford, Kent, and is well aware that being in the public eye carries responsibility.
“I am very aware I do have a following that look at me and relate to me, my face, shape, body or
clothes I wear. A lot of people have said they see a lot of them in me and that’s given them confidence there is somebody out there and they don’t feel alone.”
Clair hopes this week’s documentary will show fans her real side after five years on Albert Square.
“My mum says a lot of the facial expressions I do on the show I did when I was younger and a lot of similarities,” she says.
“But I can’t wait for people to watch the documentary and see a different side to me and my childhood.”
Clair says she has had amazing support from her family, boyfriend Lewis Wood,
31, and friends including the Eastenders cast, adding: “Everyone has been so supportive, spurring me on and motivating me.
“They tell me to look at what I have achieved, look forward and keep positive.”
For now she loves being part of the soap’s popular Taylor family and hopes for more hard-hitting storylines, but would like to explore more presenting including a followup documentary.
“I’m really happy where I am, but would love to do another documentary as this is a tiny look into such a massive subject.”
feedback@people.co.uk Panorama, Obesity: Who Cares If I’m Bigger? is on BBC One on Wednesday at 8.30pm