EastEnders Fans Uncover Major Hint About Clare Bates' Return as Gemma Bissix Makes Stunning Comeback After 18 Years!

EASTENDERS fans have spotted a huge clue about Clare Bates’ comeback as actress Gemma Bissix makes her shock return to the soap.

Earlier this week, we as part of a new storyline involving her step dad diagnosis.

EastEnders fans have been quick to call out a key detail amid Clare Bates’ return plotlineCredit: PA Clare was last seen in Walford in 2008Credit: BBC Fans have now speculated actress Gemma Bissix’s character may be marriedCredit: Getty

but is finally set to come back in 2026 for the emotional plot.

The character first appeared on the show back in 1993, returning for a short time in 2008.

And now back for a third return, Clare returns when news of her stepfather Nigel’s worsening dementia reaches her.

Though aside from the heartbreaking nature of her return scripts, eagle-eyed fans have spotted one huge difference for the character.

After clocking that she is now sporting a silver wedding ring with a huge diamond in her promo pictures, they have speculated she is married to an already-known character.

On fan forum Walford Web, one user wrote: “Just noticed that assuming Gemma is dressed as Clare in that promo, she’s wearing a wedding ring”.

Another mused: “Actually thinking a bit more about it, it would be nice if Clare was married and raising teenage stepchildren now, a full circle moment”.

A third put: “I think it would be quite nice if Clare has had to do some growing up because she has a family of her own now.

“Not for the sake of keeping them around just because as we often say it seems silly when we revisit characters decades later and their lives have remained completely static”.

One then added: “Clare was arguably Nigel’s most important relationship during his first run, and they need some type of closure – so do we”.

It remains to be seen if her relationship status will form a key part of her return plot.

What’s clear is the reunion for Clare and Nigel is set to be filled with drama and emotions as the family work through old wounds, while Nigel’s dementia hits home for his loved ones.

Actress Gemma has been appearing in since her departure from the soap, but says coming back to Albert Square was a “full circle” moment.

She revealed: “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!”

In 1998, the characters left the soap together to begin a new life in Scotland, but when Clare returned in 2008, she revealed that her relationship with Nigel had become “strained”.

Now, fans will be keen to hear what Clare has been up to in the 18 years since.

Admitting it’s been just as much fun off-screen as she reunited with old colleagues, Gemma continued: “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!

“Whilst it will be an emotional reunion, I hope the viewers will be pleased to see Clare and Nigel on screen together once again!”

While fans may be surprised to see Clare back on screen, the soap’s executive producer Ben Wadey says bosses “always knew” they wanted to bring Clare back to Walford.

He said: “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.”

EastEnders has been working with Dementia UK and experts on the sensitive storyline.

They have spotted Clare is wearing a wedding ring in her promotional pictureCredit: Handout She is returning for her stepfather Nigel Bates’ dementia storylineCredit: BBC