EastEnders viewers are convinced Clare Bates is making an explosive return to Walford as actress Gemma Bissix leaves reportedly her role at Hollyoaks.

Gemma, 42, is famed for playing the devious Clare Devine on the Channel 4 soap after arriving in 2006.

However, EastEnders fans will also know the soap star as Clare Bates, the estranged step-daughter of Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).

Former video shop owner Nigel made a spectacular return to the Square at Christmas 2024 after departing 26 years earlier for a new life in Scotland. As he reunited with his old pal Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), it was soon revealed Nigel was battling on-set dementia.

Nigel also reconnected with his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) after abandoning her following his shock health diagnosis, fearing he would b

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