Just a few months after she last appeared in Hollyoaks as Clare Devine, actor Gemma Bissix is once again back in EastEnders as Clare Bates. It’s been announced that she will be appearing for a short stint, as part of a major storyline.
Spoilers reveal that Clare comes back to Walford after she hears that stepdad Nigel’s dementia has gotten worse, but once she turns up, she is shocked to realise just how badly he’s deteriorated.
While Clare and Nigel’s wife, Julie, have plenty of old wounds that are yet to mend, they realise that any drama between them isn’t as important as banding together for Nigel’s sake.
The question is: What will the family decide as the next step in Nigel’s dementia care?
Bissix, who last appeared on EastEnders in 2008, said: “It was a real pleasure to be asked to reprise the role of Clare for Nigel’s storyline. I was hoping to get the call as I think the fans wanted EastEnders to revisit their relationship.
“Nigel and Clare were a formidable pairing in the ’90s with a very unique stepfather/stepdaughter relationship! It has been so great to reconnect with Paul [Bradley] and Karen [Henthorn] after all these years, and it’s crazy how time felt like it had stopped when we did!
“I grew up on the set of EastEnders and essentially learnt my craft there, so it’s been a real full circle moment! Whilst it will be an emotional reunion, I hope the viewers will be pleased to see Clare and Nigel on screen together once again!”
“We always knew we wanted to bring Clare Bates back to Walford as we continue Nigel’s storyline, and I’m delighted that Gemma said yes,” EastEnders boss Ben Wadey added.
“The stepfather and daughter duo share a complicated history and have been estranged for many years, but it was essential for us to revisit this relationship as Nigel’s dementia progresses and the family start to consider his additional care needs.”
Bissix has also stated that the door is open for another Hollyoaks return, as producer Hannah Cheers has promised never to kill the character off, and was recently tipped to come back to the Channel 4 soap soon.
