EastEnders’ Nigel Bates has even more pain to bear next week, as he yearns for Clare on the day of her 40th birthday.

Soon after Nigel returned to Walford, the long-time resident revealed that he had lost contact with his stepdaughter some time ago. Since then, it’s become clearer than ever that Nigel misses Clare’s company.

However, it’s not until her birthday that Nigel fully realises just how much he wants to be by her side.

“Nigel adores Clare,” our source explains. “Just cast your mind back to the terrible incident when Nigel thought that Harvey had taken Clare, when he was actually caring for Hope – it says it all.

“So, when Clare’s birthday arrives, he can’t help but mull over what he’s missing out on.”

Subsequently, Nigel confides in Yolande that he’s feeling out of sorts. Ever the optimist, the laundrette assistant encourages her friend to reach out and build bridges with Clare.

“Yolande is wonderful to Nigel,” says our insider. “She has proven herself as a positive influence in his life on numerous occasions. That said, it’s down to Nigel and Nigel only as to whether he wants to see Clare…”

Later in the week, Yolande and Nigel’s friendship takes an unexpected turn. Despite their sentimental chat, Yolande ends up on the wrong side of her vulnerable pal.

Has Nigel taken another difficult turn? And if so, will Yolande find herself able to help him – or shut out for good?

Clare was played by actor Gemma Bissix, who appeared in the soap between 1993 and 1998, and returned to Walford for a few months in 2008.

But it is unlikely that we will see Gemma reprise her role as Clare anytime soon, as it was reported last month that she is set to make a sensational return as iconic Hollyoaks villain Clare Devine.

It was thought that Clare was killed back in 2013 when Mercedes pushed her in front of a car driven by her enemy Doctor Browning.

But with her sister Grace Black currently at the forefront of the show’s drama, will Clare return for a shocking family reunion?