EASTENDERS fans think they’ve rumbled a clue suggesting a major character is heading back to Albert Square.
Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) has been at the centre of a gripping dementia storyline since returning last year.
Months later, Nigel’s wife Julie also made a comeback to Albert Square.
Viewers are now suggesting his daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix) could be set to return.
The character debuted in 1993 and is the daughter of Debbie (Nicola Duffett), Nigel’s late first wife.
She left Walford alongside Nigel in 1998, but returned a decade later for a brief stint.
According to Metro, actress Gemma has wrapped up her time as Hollyoaks villain Clare Devine.
She made a shock return to the Channel 4 soap earlier this year – despite the villain’s apparent death.
A source told the publication: “Gemma has absolutely loved being back but a character like Clare can never stick around for too long, given everything she’s done.
“There’s a lot more to come before the final scenes air but it promises to be an exhilarating ending.”
Writing online, a viewer said: “With the Nigel dementia storyline I would really love them to bring Clare back for it.
“It would be good to see her somewhat redeemed after her god awful 2008 stint.
EastEnders’ Nigel Bates reveals heartbreaking truth about his dementia battle as soap teases another comeback after 27 years
” I didn’t mind they decided to make her a bit villainous but it just felt like cheap writing. I would love to see her make up with Nigel.
“Plus she has history on the square in general with a few people like Chelsea , Stacey etc so could be good to see her ruffle some feathers.”
Another agreed, commenting: “We totally will!
“She’s gonna be playing both her Claire’s in the same year!”
Fans have already seen Zoe Slater return to Walford after 20 years in recent scenes.
Her explosive comeback already includes being accidentally shot outside the Queen Vic.
Viewers also learned how Zoe had a romance with Max Branning during their time away from the Square.
EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
