Gemma Bissix is returning to EastEnders as Clare Bates

Her return will be part of Nigel's dementia storyline.

EastEnders has confirmed that Gemma Bissix will be reprising the role of Clare Bates for a short stint this spring as she returns to the soap as part of Nigel Bates’ dementia storyline.

Clare is Debbie Bates' daughter and Nigel's stepdaughter by marriage, and he received full custody of Clare after her mother died on 22nd June 1995. Gemma left EastEnders on 7th August 2008 following the breakdown of her relationship with Bradley Branning, and has not returned since.

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

With emotions at an all-time high and with old wounds to mend with Nigel’s wife Julie, Clare’s arrival will not be without drama, but it soon becomes apparent that her return is essential for all involved as Nigel’s loved ones collectively decide what is best for Nigel in 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.

On returning to EastEnders, Gemma Bissix 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!"

To which Executive Producer Ben Wadey 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."

EastEnders continues Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One with first look episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer