EastEnders fans are convinced that another Walford resident is making a return as Nigel grapples with his dementia diagnosis

EastEnders fans are buzzing with speculation that Clare Bates could be making a dramatic comeback to Walford, as actress Gemma Bissix reportedly departs from her role on Hollyoaks.

Gemma, 42, is best known for her portrayal of the scheming Clare Devine on the Channel 4 soap, having joined the cast in 2006. However, EastEnders fans will also recognise her as Clare Bates, the estranged step-daughter of Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).

Former video shop proprietor Nigel made a sensational return to the Square at Christmas 2024, after leaving 26 years prior for a fresh start in Scotland. Upon reuniting with his old mate Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), it was soon disclosed that Nigel was grappling with early-stage dementia.

Nigel and Julie Bates returned to Walford to live with Phil Mitchell

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Nigel also rekindled his relationship with his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) whom he had left behind following his shocking health revelation, fearing he would become a ‘burden’ to her, reports Plymouth Live.

Phil has since invited Julie to reside in Walford as they both commit themselves to caring for Nigel as his condition deteriorates.

However, Clare Bates has yet to resurface in Walford, with suggestions that she has lost touch with her stepfather.

Clare was first introduced in 1993 as the daughter of Nigel’s first wife, Debbie (Nicola Duffett), and she departed for a new life with Nigel in 1998.

EastEnders’ Clare Bates alongside her mum Debbie and step-dad Nigel (Image: BBC)

In 2008, Clare briefly returned to the Square, shedding her innocent schoolgirl image as her villainous tendencies began to emerge.

Elsewhere, Gemma first graced our screens in Hollyoaks as Clare Devine in 2006, before bidding farewell a year later. She made brief comebacks to Chester in 2009 and 2013, only to be killed off.

In classic soap opera fashion, Clare was revealed to be alive and returned earlier this year, immediately stirring up drama.

However, The Metro reports that Gemma is set to depart from Hollyoaks once again, sparking speculation among EastEnders fans about her potential return to Walford as Clare Bates amidst Nigel’s dementia struggle.

Gemma Bissix as Clare in Hollyoaks(Image: Channel 4)

On X, one viewer speculated: “Yeah it’s time to also bring back Clare Bates #EastEnders”, while another predicted: “Her long awaited return to Albert Square looms #eastenders.”

A third fan suggested: “Clare is coming home now surely #EastEnders”, while another excitedly declared: “CLARE BATES LOOMS.”

One viewer pondered: “Could Julie’s secret phone calls be with Clare? Surely she must come back to say goodbye to Nigel?? #EastEnders”.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer