EastEnders’ Nigel Bates prepares to move into a care home next week, but there’s an unexpected guest to see him off – his estranged stepdaughter, Clare! She may arrive all-guns-blazing, angry that she’s only just heard of Nigel’s plight, but Clare’s in for a shock when faced with the full reality of her stepdad’s situation…

“It’s really heartbreaking for her,” reveals actress Gemma Bissix, who reprises the role of Clare after 17 years away from Walford.

“Clare feels like Julie only called her at this late stage as a punishment to get back at her. In Clare’s mind, it feels quite cruel because I think Clare really wanted the chance to apologise to her dad.”

Clare has been absent from Nigel and Julie’s life for several years, having lost touch with her stepdad. However, when Nigel begins asking to see her, Julie and Phil are worried over what to do for the best.

With Nigel’s care home place available once he leaves hospital, Julie is worried that a visit from volatile Clare will only unsettle him further in this time of change. The woman in question, meanwhile, is unaware of just how ill Nigel is.

Phil tries to convince Julie to call Clare

, but it’s Lexi who gives her a new perspective on the situation and prompts her to make the call. Julie’s fears are quickly realised, however, as no sooner has Clare arrived than the pair start sniping at each other. 

Phil soon reminds them that their priority is Nigel, and they agree to keep the peace as they arrive at the hospital. But the wind is quickly taken out of Clare’s sails when she sees Nigel only for him to not recognise the girl he brought up.

“Clare didn’t realise how advanced the dementia is,” admits Gemma. “It’s a complete rejection for her in every sense of the word – it’s like losing her mum all over again. All Clare wants is the love of her dad, and she can see that she might not have that again, and she’s missed her opportunity.”

With things still tense between her and Julie, Clare turns to Lexi for support, and the youngster persuades Clare to make things up with Nigel while there’s still time. Together, they organise a party at The Vic to honour Nigel before his care home move – and even break him out of hospital!

Julie and Phil are furious to discover what Clare and Lexi have done. However, the party is a success and the community rallies around Nigel as he enjoys his final drink in the pub.

The trio can only delay the inevitable for so long, however. Can Julie, Phil and Clare resolve their differences as Nigel begins his final chapter?