Fans of EastEnders are set to see another familiar face return, as former Hollyoaks star Gemma Bissix will reprise her role as Clare Bates this spring.
The series confirmed the news yesterday, revealing that Bissix will return for a short stint tied to Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) ongoing dementia storyline.
The show revealed that Clare returns to Walford after learning that her stepfather’s dementia has worsened. However, she is unprepared for the reality of Nigel’s condition as she comes face to face with her declining health.
Clare’s return also brings unresolved tensions, particularly with Nigel’s wife Julie (Karen Henthorn). As Nigel’s loved ones consider the next stage of his care, Clare’s presence becomes increasingly important.
EastEnders has been working with Dementia UK and experts in the field on Nigel’s storyline to ensure it has been portrayed as sensitively and as accurately as possible.
Speaking about her return Bissix said, “It was a real pleasure to be asked to reprise the role of Clare for Nigel’s storyline.”
The actress acknowledged that fans have been anticipating her return to the soap opera, sharing, “I was hoping to get the call as I think the fans wanted EastEnders to revisit their relationship.”
Reflecting on her characters history, Bissix first joined EastEnders in 1993 and remained on the soap opera until 1998. “Nigel and Clare were a formidable pairing in the 90’s with a very unique stepfather/stepdaughter relationship,” she said. “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!”
EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey shared, “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. 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.”
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EastEnders airs Mondays through Thursdays on BBC One in the U.K. and streams same day on BritBox in the U.S.
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