Gemma Bissix returns to EastEnders as Clare Bates for Nigel’s emotional dementia storyline
Gemma Bissix will reprise the role of clare bates in a short spring stint on EastEnders as news of her estranged stepfather Nigel Bates’ worsening dementia reaches her, a return that forces family decisions about his next stage of care.
Clare Bates returns to Walford this spring
The character Clare Bates comes back to Walford this spring for a brief but emotional reunion with Nigel. The return is prompted by updates about Nigel’s condition and is presented as essential to the family as they collectively decide what is best for Nigel’s dementia care.
Why Clare Bates makes the trip
Despite a long estrangement from her stepfather Nigel, Clare arrives in Walford after news of his worsening dementia reaches her. She is confronted by Nigel’s fragility and the reality of his prognosis, and old wounds – including tensions with Nigel’s wife Julie – resurface as emotions run high.
Nigel’s condition and on-screen developments
Recent episodes show Nigel’s carers, including his wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), decide to place Nigel in a residential home after he was found underwater and unconscious in a bath. Clare’s arrival is framed as central to helping loved ones decide the next stage of Nigel’s dementia care.
Cast reunions and production perspective
The 42-year-old actress last appeared in Albert Square in 2008, following a nearly decade-long absence; her character departed Walford later that same year. Another description in production notes says she has been away from Walford for almost 18 years prior to this return. The comeback includes reconnections with long-standing cast members identified as Paul Bradley and Karen Henthorn.
Gemma Bissix described being pleased to be asked to reprise the role, saying she had hoped to get the call and that fans wanted the relationship between Clare and Nigel revisited. She reflected on growing up on the show, learning her craft there, and described the return as a full-circle, emotional reunion and a chance to reconnect with Paul and Karen after many years.
Executive producer Ben Wadey said the production always intended to bring Clare back as Nigel’s storyline continues. He described the stepfather–daughter duo as having a complicated history and having been estranged for many years, and said it was essential to revisit their relationship as Nigel’s dementia progresses and the family start to consider his additional care needs.
Working with dementia experts and what viewers should expect
The production has been working with Dementia UK and experts in the field to ensure Nigel’s storyline is portrayed sensitively and accurately. The arrival of Clare is presented as dramatic but necessary, and story beats focus on how loved ones collectively decide what is best for Nigel going forward.
Technical and page notes
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in. Please refresh your browser to be logged in. The page will automatically reload; you may need to reload again if the build takes longer than expected. The preview environment warning banner is hidden on preview pages. Select a theme and theme mode and click "Load theme" to load in your theme combination.
Commercial note
New subscribers only. £9. 99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
Overall, clare bates’ return is positioned as a short but pivotal storyline that reunites characters, raises difficult care questions for Nigel’s family, and follows a production approach informed by dementia specialists to treat the material with sensitivity.
