EastEnders fans’ prayers finally answered as Clare Bates stages return for Nigel 

I can’t think of an EastEnders return more requested in the past year than that of Clare Bates (Gemma Bissix) following stepdad Nigel’s (Paul Bradley) dementia diagnosis.

In fact, calls for a Clare comeback have been pretty much incessant since Nigel, a former show regular in the 90s, staged his return just over a year ago after two decades off our screens.

We’ve had the opportunity to see him to reconnect with best mates Phil and Grant Mitchell (Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp) and his subsequent diagnosis led to the return of wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) too.

The storyline has provided for some of the most poignant and emotional moments in EastEnders history, with stars Paul, Karen and Steve in particular stealing every scene they’re in.

And yet, despite being the show’s – and arguably soap’s – best storyline, there was one thing missing: Clare. Nigel has made reference to his estranged daughter on numerous occasions and, due to the impact of his condition, he has mistaken several Square favourites for her. However, thus far she hasn’t come to see him.

But that’s all set to change in upcoming scenes as Clare waltzes back into Walford, with series star Gemma – who spent much of the past year reprising her other iconic soap role as the devilishly brilliant Clare Devine in Hollyoaks – set to stage a comeback.

Viewers of the BBC One soap, myself included, desperately hoped to one day see Clare, whose relationship with Nigel was one of the sweetest in the show’s long history, back as part of the former VHS salesman’s big story, so this news will no doubt brighten fans’ day.

When word reaches Clare of Nigel’s diagnosis and the deterioration of his condition, she wastes little time in returning to the Square. Upon her arrival, she is taken aback by his fragility and the reality of his prognosis hits hard.

In typical Clare fashion, fans can expect drama aplenty as she’s forced to mend some bridges with Julie, with emotions understandably at an all-time high.

But before long, it becomes apparent that her return is of paramount importance as Nigel’s loved ones collectively decide what’s best for him as they enter the next stage of his dementia care.

‘It was a real pleasure to be asked to reprise the role of Clare for Nigel’s storyline,’ said Gemma, who is reprising her role for a short stint ahead of her next Hollyoaks return.

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‘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, 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.’

Clare, as longtime Walford fans will recall, is the daughter of Nigel’s first wife Debbie (Nicola Duffett) and she made her first appearance in 1993. The character proved pivotal in Nigel’s life and they went through so much together, including the tragic death of Debbie. The duo left the Square after five years in 1998 with Julie.

After a decade away, Clare staged a comeback in 2008 though, during this particular era, she was a far cry from the Clare viewers knew and more resembled star Gemma’s Hollyoaks counterpart, so it’ll certainly be interesting to see the Walford legend’s characterisation this time around.

It’s been something of a whirlwind year for Gemma, who returned to Hollyoaks as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, reprising her role as the scheming Clare Devine, who was killed off in 2013.

Clare, was brought back to life and wreaked havoc on the village, with her stint coming to an end just after the big 3-0. It’s thought that she will be returning to Hollyoaks once again this year, though not before her EastEnders comeback as Clare Bates!

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 

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