An EastEnders actress has made a startling revelation about her earnings from the long-running BBC soap, claiming that during her childhood stint on the show, she was paid less than the canine co-star. Gemma Bissix, who portrays Clare Bates, opened up about her salary in a candid interview, shedding light on the financial realities of child acting in one of Britain's most iconic television programmes.
Gemma Bissix's Early Role and Salary Confession
Gemma Bissix first joined EastEnders in 1993 as a child actor, taking on the role of Clare Bates, the daughter of characters Debbie and Nigel Bates. Her initial run on the soap lasted until 1998, after which she made brief returns in 2008 and more recently. However, in a 2013 interview with The Mirror, Bissix disclosed that her compensation was far from lucrative.
"What money? Wellard the dog was paid more than me, I think," she stated bluntly. "People expect you to earn loads of money but I was a child actor and it's not as much as everybody thinks." Despite this, she noted that she managed to save some of her earnings, highlighting the modest nature of her pay during those early years.
Clare Bates' Return to Walford
Fast forward to the present, and Gemma Bissix has reprised her role as Clare Bates in EastEnders, involving a poignant storyline centred on Nigel Bates' dementia diagnosis. In recent episodes, Clare reunited with Nigel, only to face heartbreak as he failed to recognise her due to his condition. This emotional plot has resonated with many viewers, addressing a sensitive issue with depth and care.
Reflecting on her return, Bissix expressed gratitude, saying it has "been an absolute pleasure" and a "privilege to be involved in Nigel’s poignant dementia storyline." She added, "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."
Behind the Scenes: Life After Early Exit
When asked if she was disappointed to leave the soap in 1998, Bissix responded with humour and honesty. "No - it was the right time for the character to go," she explained. "Besides, when you get to 15 and haven't been able to cut your hair for six years, you want a change. The first thing I did was dye my hair pink and got suspended from school." This anecdote offers a glimpse into the personal adjustments child actors often face while balancing fame with normal adolescence.
Her return to EastEnders marks a significant chapter, not only for the character but also for Bissix's career, allowing her to revisit the show that shaped her early acting journey. The ongoing storyline continues to explore complex family dynamics and health issues, keeping audiences engaged.
Broader Implications for Child Actors
Bissix's salary confession highlights broader issues within the entertainment industry, particularly regarding compensation for young performers. While EastEnders is a flagship BBC programme with high viewership, her experience suggests that child actors may not always receive substantial pay, contrary to public perception. This revelation sparks conversations about fair wages and support for minors in the acting profession.
As EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One, fans can follow Clare Bates' evolving story and the impactful dementia narrative. Gemma Bissix's openness about her past earnings adds a layer of realism to the glamour often associated with soap opera stars, reminding viewers of the human stories behind the characters.
