EastEnders' Clare Bates Makes Dramatic Return After 18-Year Absence
The BBC has unveiled shock first-look images confirming the return of Clare Bates to EastEnders after a staggering 18-year hiatus. Portrayed by actress Gemma Bissix, now 42, the character will make a brief but emotionally charged reappearance on Albert Square.
Heartbreaking Dementia Storyline Brings Character Back
Clare's return is intricately woven into a poignant narrative focusing on her on-screen father, Albert 'Nigel' Bates, and his heartbreaking battle with dementia. Gemma Bissix expressed her honour at being involved in such a resonant plot.
'It's been an absolute pleasure to be back, and a privilege to be involved in Nigel's poignant dementia storyline,' Gemma stated. '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 9.'
A Complex Character History
Clare Bates was originally a prominent figure on the soap between 1993 and 1998, involved in hard-hitting storylines tackling issues like domestic violence and custody battles. She initially left Walford at age 14 in 1993 to train as an electrician, with the door left open for future returns.
This foreshadowing led to a brief comeback in 2008, where Clare had seemingly transformed into a maneater. Her latest return promises to explore the consequences of her long absence and the emotional turmoil surrounding her father's deteriorating health.
Emotional Reunions Behind the Scenes
Gemma Bissix described the experience as a heartfelt reunion with former colleagues, particularly Paul Bradley, who plays Nigel Bates. 'It was a long time coming, and I was just so chuffed because I haven’t seen Paul Bradley in over 20 years,' she explained. 'To be able to reconnect with him and work with him again felt like time had stood still. Paul is exactly the same lovely person he was before.'
She also highlighted meaningful connections with other cast members:
- Steve McFadden, whom she described as 'lovely' to work with again
- The late Barbara Windsor, who helped secure her agent when she originally left the show
- Longstanding cast members like Jane Slaughter (Tracy) and Ulric Browne (Winston)
Clare's Emotional Journey and Personal Connections
The storyline will see Clare grappling with her father's advanced dementia diagnosis and her complicated relationship with Julie, Nigel's partner. 'Clare has always wanted to come back and see him, and when she does find out he's got dementia, I don’t think she realises how advanced it is,' Gemma revealed.
She elaborated on Clare's perspective: 'Clare feels like Julie has done it to get back at her; she feels like Julie has only called her at this late stage as a punishment. In Clare's mind, it does feel quite cruel because I think Clare really wanted the chance to apologise to her dad.'
Gemma connected Clare's past behavior to underlying trauma: 'The last time we saw her in the show, she was a bit of a maneater, and a bit more of a con artist, and those actions probably came from her inner trauma, and having no one to discipline her because her mum died when she was young.'
Personal Significance for the Actress
The dementia storyline holds particular personal significance for Gemma Bissix, who has witnessed the impact of early-onset dementia firsthand. A close friend's father received a diagnosis at just 54 years old, giving her deeper insight into the emotional weight of the plot.
As Clare Bates returns to confront missed opportunities and seek her father's love, viewers can expect powerful drama exploring family, forgiveness, and the devastating effects of dementia. EastEnders continues to air on BBC One and is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
