Almost two decades after she was last seen on EastEnders, Gemma Bissix has returned to the role of Clare Bates, who will have an ’emotional reunion’ with stepdad Nigel as his dementia worsens
21:00, 21 Feb 2026Updated 21:06, 21 Feb 2026
EastEnders brings back Clare Bates for ’emotional reunion’ with stepdad Nigel(Image: BBC)
Gemma Bissix is returning to EastEnders 18 years after her character, Clare Bates, was last seen on the BBC soap. Clare’s return to Walford comes as her stepfather Nigel battles dementia.
The actress is only expected to return for a short stint this spring. Clare’s arrival in Walford comes despite being estranged from Nigel (Paul Bradley) and is prompted by news of his worsening dementia reaching her.
Nigel’s illness has been a key storyline for the character since he returned to EastEnders in 2024. After 26 years away, Nigel came back after he was diagnosed with early onset dementia, as he did not want his wife Julie (Karen Henthorne) caring for him, though she has since returned to Walford as well.
A particularly powerful December episode saw Nigel’s condition deteriorate as he hallucinated old friends Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement) and Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson) while Julie and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) looked on helplessly.
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Gemma Bissix is returning to EastEnders(Image: PA)
She was last seen 18 years ago(Image: BBC)
After almost drowning, Nigel is in the worst shape he’s been in and Clare will be shocked when she sees him. The BBC have said that she will be “confronted by Nigel’s fragility and the reality of his prognosis”.
The broadcaster has promised that Clare’s return will “not be without drama” as emotions are at an all-time high and there is friction there with Julie. But her presence is also described as “essential” to help Julie and Phil decide what is best for Nigel in the next stage of his care. The storyline has been worked on with the help of Dementia UK to ensure it is portrayed sensitively and accurately.
Speaking about her return, Gemma said: “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!
“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!”
Ben Wadey, the executive producer of EastEnders, added: “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.”
Clare’s mum Debbie married Nigel in 1994(Image: BBC)
Clare and Nigel first became family when her mother, Debbie (Nicola Duffet), married Nigel in 1994. He gained full custody of his stepdaughter after Debbie died in 1995 following a hit and run. She and Nigel both left in 1998, but Clare returned ten years later.
Far from being the sweet child she had been in the 1990s, the reintroduced Clare was a bit of a gold digger, who tried to seduce Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and went on to date Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements). Though her relationship with Bradley started out as a desire for money, she soon warmed to him and wanted to be his friend.
But, when Bradley found her diary, which detailed how she planned to manipulate him, he made it clear he did not want her around and she was forced to flee the Square.
Clare has not been seen since, but she has been mentioned. Recently, when Sam Mitchell (Kim Metcalfe) returned, Nigel mistook her for Clare and offered her money. Sam initially played along and accepted but when Julie found out, she was forced to return the money.
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