EastEnders Fans Convinced Clare Bates Is Set for Permanent Comeback After Cryptic Clue
EastEnders fans are convinced that Clare Bates is poised for a permanent return to Albert Square after show bosses dropped a significant hint about her time on the programme. The role, which launched the career of actress Gemma Bissix, now 42, when she made her professional debut in 1993, has sparked widespread speculation following a recent online post.
Cryptic YouTube Video Fuels Speculation
Over the weekend, the official EastEnders YouTube channel uploaded a new video titled Get To Know Clare Bates unexpectedly, leading viewers to believe that a full-time comeback for the character is imminent. The spontaneous nature of the upload has ignited fan theories, with many interpreting it as a precursor to her extended return.
The video description stated: "Clare Bates returned to The Square recently to visit her stepfather Nigel before he goes into full-time care – Let’s watch back some of her biggest moments throughout the years." In response, one viewer commented: "Oh she’s still in it? I thought it was a flying visit," while another asked: "Why? Is she coming back?" A third fan pleaded: "Bring back Clare, she's interesting."
Gemma Bissix's Emotional Return and Career Highlights
Gemma Bissix, who currently stars as Clare Devine on Channel 4's Hollyoaks, made a surprise return to EastEnders earlier this year as part of a high-profile dementia storyline involving her adoptive father Nigel. She initially played Clare from 1993 until 2008, during which time she became a household name. After leaving the soap, she appeared on shows like Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Masterchef, and Doctors.
Reflecting on her recent comeback, Gemma expressed her joy at reuniting with co-stars after a long hiatus. She said: "It’s been an absolute pleasure to be back, and a privilege to be involved in Nigel’s poignant dementia storyline. 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 nine."
Reunion with Co-Star Paul Bradley
Gemma also shared heartfelt insights about filming with actor Paul Bradley, who portrays Nigel. She remarked: "It was a long time coming, and I was just so chuffed because I haven’t seen Paul Bradley in over 20 years and so to be able to reconnect with him and work with him again felt like time had stood still. It was like no time had passed at all, and Paul is exactly the same lovely person he was before."
She added that Paul was like a stepfather to her in real life during their six years on screen together from 1993 to 1999, highlighting the deep bond they share.
Clare Bates' Character Development and Storyline
Discussing Clare's emotional journey, Gemma explained: "It’s a complete rejection in every sense of the word. It’s like losing her mum all over again, and I think she probably naively thought that Nigel would be around forever which is why I suppose she took for granted that she didn’t have to see him." She noted that Clare's past as a "maneater" and "con artist" stemmed from inner trauma, particularly after her mother's death and feeling pushed out when Nigel met Julie.
Gemma concluded: "All Clare wants is the love of her dad, and she can see that she might not have that again, and she’s missed her opportunity, so it’s really heartbreaking for her."
Trend of Character Comebacks on EastEnders
In recent years, EastEnders has seen several iconic characters make returns, including Michelle Collins as Cindy Beale and Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater after two decades away. The 40th anniversary special even featured a surprise appearance by Anita Dobson as Angie Watts, appearing as a ghost to support her daughter Sharon.
This pattern of revivals adds weight to fan theories about Clare Bates' potential permanent return, especially given the cryptic YouTube clue and Gemma's expressed enthusiasm for the role.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
