- Gemma Bissix is set to reprise her role as Clare Bates in EastEnders this spring for a brief but emotional reunion with her estranged stepfather, Nigel Bates.
- Her return is prompted by Nigel's deteriorating young onset dementia, which is a central storyline in the BBC soap.
- Bissix, who last appeared in 2008, expressed her pleasure at reprising the role, noting the unique relationship between Clare and Nigel.
- Clare Bates will play an "essential" role in helping Nigel's loved ones decide on his future care, following his placement in a residential home.
- EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey emphasised the importance of revisiting Clare and Nigel's complicated history as Nigel's dementia progresses.
IN FULL
EastEnders character to return for ‘emotional’ storyline with estranged stepfather
