Gemma Bissix recently returned to EastEnders as Clare Bates for a few episodes that aired in March.
This was part of a storyline that involved her adoptive father, Nigel Bates (played by Paul Bradley), who was suffering from dementia.
Bissix began her acting career playing Clare at the age of nine in 1993 and continued in the role until 1998.
She made a return in 2008 before departing again, where she also appeared in Hollyoaks as the character of Clare Devine.
Speaking about returning to the role of Clare Bates, 33 years after making her acting debut, Gemma said it was a “real full circle moment”.
She added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be back, and a privilege to be involved in Nigel’s poignant dementia storyline.
“I think it’s a storyline that sadly resonates with so many people and it’s been a real full circle moment for me, as EastEnders is where I learnt my craft as I was on the show from the age of nine.”
EastEnders fans think BBC soap is hinting at permanent return of Clare Bates
A couple of weeks after Clare’s brief stint back in Albert Square, some fans think the soap is hinting at a more permanent return for the character.
This is due to a video being posted on the EastEnders YouTube channel on Saturday (April 4) titled ‘Get To Know Clare Bates’.
The caption of the video read: “Clare Bates returned to The Square recently to visit her step father Nigel before he goes into full-time care – Let’s watch back some of her biggest moments throughout the years.”
Due to the spontaneous nature of the post after a bit of time removed from her appearance, some believe this hints she’ll be back in the near future.
One comment on the video said: “Oh she’s still in it? I thought it was a flying visit.”
Another posted: “Why? Is she coming back?”
A third said: “Bring back clare shes interesting.”
There might be some appetite among fans for Clare to return, as some were pleased to see her back for the episodes in March.
In a Reddit post on r/EastEnders discussing the initial announcement, one said: “Honestly the news I’ve been waiting for with regard to this storyline – they couldn’t let Nigel’s story end without Clare appearing at some point.”
Another shared: “Next to Vicki and Julie i this has the potential to be the best return even if it is a short stint.
The stuff [Ben] Wadey’s been doing with Nigel is probably his best work.”
A third posted: “Something would’ve felt missing if Clare didn’t come back for Nigel’s story.
“I knew that once Gemma finished her recent run on Hollyoaks that there was a high chance she’d come to EastEnders.”
Do you think Clare Bates will make a more permanent return to EastEnders? Let us know in the comments.
