In a nostalgic twist for fans, EastEnders star Gemma Bissix is poised to make a dramatic comeback to the iconic BBC soap opera, nearly two decades after her last appearance. The actress, now 42 years old, will reprise her role as Clare Bates for a brief but impactful stint this spring, delving into a poignant dementia storyline involving her stepfather, Nigel Bates.
A Journey Through Time: Gemma Bissix's EastEnders Legacy
Gemma Bissix first graced the screens of EastEnders in 1993, when she was just nine years old, portraying Clare Bates [Tyler], the daughter of Debbie Tyler and stepdaughter of Nigel Bates. She remained a regular fixture on the show from 1993 until 1998, when she initially departed Albert Square. Her character made a brief return in 2008, but this upcoming appearance marks her first in almost twenty years, adding a layer of emotional depth to the ongoing narrative.
Clare's Emotional Return to Walford
Despite being estranged from Nigel for many years, Clare will return to Walford upon hearing news of his worsening dementia condition. Her arrival is set to be a shocking and dramatic moment, as she confronts the harsh reality of his fragility and prognosis. This reunion is not just a nostalgic callback but a crucial element in the storyline, as Nigel's loved ones gather to make difficult decisions about his future care needs.
On stepping back into the role, Gemma expressed her enthusiasm, stating: '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!'
She added, reflecting on her personal connection to the show: '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!'
Behind the Scenes: A Sensitive Portrayal of Dementia
EastEnders has taken great care to ensure the dementia storyline is handled with sensitivity and accuracy. The production team has collaborated closely with Dementia UK and other experts in the field to portray Nigel's condition authentically. Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer, commented: '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.'
Gemma Bissix's Broacting Career Beyond EastEnders
While best known to many for her role in EastEnders, Gemma Bissix has also made a significant mark in other television arenas. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of the villain Clare Devine on Hollyoaks, appearing on and off from 2006 until 2013. In a surprising move back in 2022, it was revealed that Gemma planned to return to Hollyoaks, not as an actress but behind the camera as a shadow director, showcasing her evolving interests in the industry.
Gemma has been honing her directing skills, notably with a production of Cinderella at Clacton’s Princes Theatre, which features Britain's Got Talent star George Sampson. She shared her passion for directing, saying: 'I absolutely love directing. It’s incredible to have a vision and see it all come together. 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!'
This multifaceted career highlights Gemma's enduring presence in British entertainment, from her early days as a child star to her current ventures in both acting and directing. Her return to EastEnders promises to blend nostalgia with contemporary storytelling, offering viewers a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and health challenges.
