Gemma Bissix, a familiar face to millions of British soap fans, is making a highly anticipated return to EastEnders after nearly two decades away from Albert Square. The BBC confirmed on February 22, 2026, that Bissix will reprise her role as Clare Bates for a brief but pivotal appearance this spring, tying directly into the emotional and ongoing dementia storyline of her on-screen stepfather, Nigel Bates, played by Paul Bradley.
Bissix, now 42, first graced the EastEnders set in 1993 at just nine years old, quickly becoming a standout as Clare Bates—the daughter of Debbie Tyler and stepdaughter of Nigel. She remained a regular on the soap until 1998, with a brief return in 2008 that left fans clamoring for more. Now, after an 18-year absence, her character’s comeback is set to stir both nostalgia and drama in the hearts of long-time viewers.
Speaking to the press about her return, Bissix expressed a deep sense of gratitude and excitement. “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!” she said, according to The Sun and Daily Mail. “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!”
Clare’s return is not just a treat for fans; it’s a crucial element in the unfolding narrative about Nigel’s battle with dementia. According to BBC sources, Clare—estranged from Nigel for many years—will be drawn back to Walford when she learns of his deteriorating condition. Upon her arrival, she’s confronted by the stark reality of his fragility and the seriousness of his prognosis, leading to an emotional and dramatic reunion that’s expected to resonate deeply with viewers.
Ben Wadey, Executive Producer of EastEnders, underscored the importance of Bissix’s return, telling reporters, “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.”
The show’s creative team has taken particular care in depicting Nigel’s health struggles. In collaboration with Dementia UK and field experts, EastEnders has aimed to ensure the storyline is portrayed with sensitivity and accuracy. This commitment reflects a broader trend in British television, where soaps increasingly use their platforms to raise awareness about real-life health and social issues.
For Bissix, the return to Albert Square is more than just another job. As she noted, the set of EastEnders was where she “essentially learnt my craft,” making her reappearance a full circle moment. The emotional weight of the storyline—paired with the chance to reconnect with former castmates—adds a layer of authenticity to her performance that fans are sure to notice. “It’s been so great to reconnect with Paul and Karen after all these years,” she said, referencing her long-standing relationships with her co-stars.
Clare’s reentry into Walford promises to be dramatic. According to Daily Mail, her return is essential as Nigel’s loved ones, including Clare, must collectively decide what’s best for him in the next stage of his dementia care. The storyline will likely explore not only the impact of dementia on individuals but also the ripple effects it has on families—especially those with complicated histories like Clare and Nigel’s.
Bissix’s career has been marked by versatility and a knack for memorable roles. Beyond EastEnders, she’s perhaps equally well-known for her portrayal of the villainous Clare Devine on Hollyoaks, a part she played on and off from 2006 until 2013. In a twist worthy of soap opera storytelling, Bissix made a surprise return to Hollyoaks in 2025, despite her character apparently being killed off in 2013. Her most recent stint was brief—her alter ego fatally shot her sister, Grace Black, before exiting again in October 2025. Yet, as reported by The Sun, rumors swirl that she’ll be back on Hollyoaks screens later this year, suggesting that for Bissix, no character is ever truly gone for good.
Her talents aren’t limited to acting. Since 2022, Bissix has been honing her skills behind the scenes as a director, taking on projects like Cinderella at Clacton’s Princes Theatre, which starred Britain’s Got Talent’s George Sampson. “I absolutely love directing. It’s incredible to have a vision and see it all come together,” she told The Sun. “This is the second panto I have directed but last year I performed too. It’s great to be able to sit back and not have the pressure of going on stage. It has turned into a real passion. But I don’t think I’ll ever give up acting though... I’m too much of a show off!”
Her dual passions for acting and directing have allowed Bissix to remain a vibrant part of the British entertainment landscape. Whether she’s on camera or behind it, her work continues to draw attention and spark conversation. And while she insists she won’t be leaving acting behind, her forays into directing suggest a future that’s as varied and dynamic as her career so far.
As the spring approaches and Clare Bates’s return to Walford draws closer, fans are bracing for a blend of nostalgia, drama, and heartfelt storytelling. With EastEnders tackling a challenging subject like dementia with care and authenticity, and with Bissix back in a role that helped shape her career, this reunion promises to be as meaningful for viewers as it is for the actress herself.
Sometimes, a return to familiar ground brings not just closure, but new beginnings—both on screen and off.