EASTENDERS fans have spotted the ‘biggest clue yet’ hinting at a huge star’s return after 17 years.

The characterhas family connections in Albert Square despite leaving almost two decades ago.

Viewers have been gripped by Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) health storyline since he returned to EastEnders last year.

The soap icon has been suffering from young onset dementia and been struggling to cope.

Fans have shared their hopes for Nigel’s adoptive daughter Clare Bates (Gemma Bissix) to join him in Walford again.

Taking to Reddit, a viewer shared a screenshot of Gemma’s sharing kind words on Instagram about former co-star Steve McFadden – who plays Phil Mitchell.

This user penned: “Probably a stretch but I’m hoping that Gemma Bissix (Claire Bates) talking about Steve McFadden a few weeks back means she’d be open come and give Nigel a little visit!

“She obviously still watches the show, so she’ll know Paul Bradley is back.”

Gemma originally played Clare Bates in the BBC soap from 1993 until leaving alongside Nigel in 1998.

The character returned as an adult in 2008 – reconnecting with Dot Cotton (June Brown) and having a brief romance with Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements).

This fell apart when Bradley discovered Clare’s plans to take his money and demanded she leave Walford.

Nigel himself returned to Walford in 2024 – while the likes of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and David Wicks (Michael French) all returned for guest appearances around the same time.

The Sun previously revealed Gemma was reprising her role as another Clare – Hollyoaks villain Clare Devine.

A source said: “Gemma’s much anticipated return to Hollyoaks has been kept top secret and her character is set to stir up plenty of on-screen drama as the soap kicks into gear around it’s 30th birthday.

“She is delighted to be asked back, especially as she’s rising from the dead. The scenes will be explosive.”

It means fans are left divided as to whether the actress would return to EastEnders.

One viewer commented: “She’s just signed on for Hollyoaks so probably not likely.

“I can’t believe no one has tried to find contact methods for Julie yet and told her.”

While another suggested: “Whilst Gemma is returning to Hollyoaks, there could be a slim possibility she has already filmed something and its being kept under wraps like other surprise appearances have been.”

They added: “We can only live in hope.”

Gemma’s Hollyoaks character Clare wreaked havoc in the iconic Cheshire village.

However, she was once thought to have been killed by Dr. Browning back in 2013.