EastEnders star Gemma Bissix is set to make a return to the BBC soap almost TWENTY years after her last appearance.

The actress, 42, first joined EastEnders in 1993 at the age of just nine as Clare Bates [Tyler], the daughter of Debbie Tyler and stepdaughter of Nigel Bates.

She starred as a regular on the soap from 1993 until 1998 when she left Albert Square, before making a brief return in 2008.

Now Gemma is again reprising the role for a short stint this spring as she returns to EastEnders as part of her stepdad Nigel’s dementia storyline.

Despite being estranged from Nigel, Clare will return to Walford when news of his worsening dementia reaches her – but is shocked when she arrives and is confronted by his fragility and the reality of his prognosis.

On reprising the role, 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!’

She added: ‘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 arrival will reportedly be a dramatic one, but her return will be essential as Nigel’s loved ones collectively decide what is best for him n the next stage of his dementia care.

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.

Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer 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.

The soap legend is also well known for her role as villain Clare Devine on Hollyoaks on-off from 2006 until 2013.

And back in 2022 it was revealed Gemma was making a shock return to Hollyoaks –  but it wouldn’t be as the cruel Clare.

The actress joined the show as villain Clare back in 2006, with her last appearance in 2013.

But Gemma revealed she planned on returning to the Channel 4 soap, this time behind-the camera as a shadow director.

Gemma practiced her directing skills with Cinderella at Clacton’s Princes Theatre, which stars 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!’

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