EASTENDERS has dropped a huge hint a star is returning to the show as a regular – 33 years after first joining the soap.
After making a return to Albert Square just recently fans are convinced she’s back for the long haul.
Gemma Bissix made her debut on the BBC drama back in 1993 as Clare Bates, the daughter of Debbie Tyler and Nigel Bates.
She was just nine at the time and remained on the show for a following five years.
After making quite a few returns to the long-running drama from 2008 to 2026, it seems she could be set for a more permanent comeback.
The series posted a new video to their official YouTube Channel titled, “Get to know Clare Bates,” and fans are sure it spells out her return.
Read more on Gemma Bissix
EastEnders captioned the video: “Clare Bates returned to The Square recently to visit her step father Nigel before he goes into full-time care – Let’s watch back some of her biggest moments throughout the years.”
Fans were certain the only reason they’d need to recap Gemma’s biggest moments as Clare would be if she was returning as a regular.
One fan penned: “Why? Is she coming back?”
Another person wrote: “Does this imply Clare’s coming back?”
A third fan added: “Oh she’s still in it? I thought it was a flying visit.”
The 42-year-old was supposedly returning this spring for a short stint as part of Nigel Bates’ dementia storyline.
Show bosses previously told how despite being estranged from her stepdad, Clare would be returning to Walford when news of his worsening dementia reached her.
During the episodes, she will be confronted by Nigel’s fragility and the reality of his prognosis.
Gemma’s character, Clare, is set to mend old wounds with Nigel’s wife Julie, but her arrival will of course not be without drama.
Soap star Gemma Bissix has recently reprised her role in Hollyoaks as villain Clare Devine.
While it’s not common for actors to appear on two soaps at once, it’s not completely unheard of.
Perhaps Gemma Bissix could indeed be making a regular return.
