EastEnders has confirmed that Gemma Bissix will return as Clare Bates once again, as her adoptive father Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) faces his final days after a battle with dementia. The actress, who first played the role in the 1990s, made a comeback earlier this year following an 18-year absence, reuniting with Nigel and his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn).
Clare's Emotional Return
Fans had long hoped for Clare's reappearance after Nigel revealed his diagnosis. Julie eventually summoned Clare to Albert Square as Nigel prepared to enter a care home. Gemma expressed her joy at reprising the role, stating, '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 90’s with a very unique stepfather/stepdaughter relationship!'
She added, 'It has been so great to reconnect with Paul and Karen 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!'
A Heartbreaking Storyline
Nigel adopted Clare after her mother Debbie (Nicola Duffett) was killed in a hit-and-run. He won a custody battle against Clare's abusive biological father, Liam Tyler (Francis Magee). Nigel later married Julie, Clare's teacher, and the family left Walford together. When Clare returned, she was horrified by Nigel's condition, which had damaged their relationship. Nigel had taken to calling Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown) 'Clare' and no longer recognised his daughter.
Encouraged by Lexi, Clare took Nigel to the Queen Vic for a goodbye drink, sparking panic for his carers, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Julie. As Nigel struggled with conversation, Julie reminded him of happy memories, like taking Clare swimming and buying doughnuts. Nigel finally smiled and recognised Clare, calling her name. However, tragedy struck when Nigel accidentally struck Clare while lashing out, leaving her tearful with a bloody lip.
Return for the Funeral
With Nigel set to pass away next week, a soap insider revealed that EastEnders bosses were eager for Gemma to return. 'It proved so popular that bosses are bringing her back again,' the insider said. 'Gemma’s return as Clare became an unexpected success. There’s always a danger that fans will have moved on, but her comeback proved a real high point for EastEnders followers. It was only originally for a short stint but bosses couldn’t not bring her back again for Nigel’s funeral. There won’t be a dry eye in the house.'
Gemma recently reprised her other iconic role, Clare Devine, in Hollyoaks, where she escaped prison, murdered her grandfather Froggy (John Middleton), and was shoved off a pier by Sienna Blake (Anna Passey). Despite appearing to die, Clare Devine has proven resilient, and fans expect her to survive for revenge.
