EastEnders welcomes Clare Bates, played by Hollyoaks actress Gemma Bissix, later this week but what brings her back to Walford and how is she related to Nigel Bates?
Clare Bates makes a sensational return to EastEnders this week but why is she back in Albert Sqaure?
The character, played by Gemma Bissix, first graced Albert Square in July 199 arriving with her mum Debbie Tyler (Nicola Duffett) who moved in with her new partner Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).
Clare’s early years in Walford were marred by her abusive father, Liam Tyler (Francis Magee), who tried everything to break up her mum and Nigel.
Despite the drama, Debbie and Nigel tied the knot in 1994, and Clare found happiness in their new family unit. However, tragedy struck in June 1995 when Debbie was killed in a hit-and-run accident leaving Clare and Nigel to pick up the pieces.
Nigel’s struggle with grief led him to fight Liam for custody of Clare, ultimately winning after Liam’s abusive past was revealed. Clare’s teenage years were anything but smooth. She befriended the likes of Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) and Sonia Jackson (Natalie Cassidy) and together they caused mischief in Walford.
One of their more notorious escapades involved spreading rumours about the new barber, Felix Kawalski, leading Clare to break into his shop to investigate.
The drama continued as Clare fell in with a bad crowd at school, bullying Sonia and getting into trouble. However, a heartfelt intervention from Nigel and her teacher, Julie Haye (Karen Henthorn), helped Clare see the error of her ways.
She eventually found love with Josh Saunders (Jon Lee) despite Nigel’s initial objections, and when Julie got a job in Scotland, Clare and Nigel decided to join her leaving Walford in April 1988.
Fast forward to February 2008 and Clare made a dramatic return. Dot Branning (June Brown), Nigel’s former landlady, convinced her to stay and Clare moved in with Dot, taking a job as a receptionist at Tanya Branning’s (Jo Joyner) beauty parlour.
Clare, always with an eye for wealth, tried to attract the attention of rich men like Jack (Scott Maslen) and Max Branning (Jake Wood), but found Ian Beale (Adan Woodyatt) more susceptible to her charms.
Her flirtations led to blackmail, as Clare threatened to expose Ian’s dishonourable intentions unless he paid up. However, Ian’s confession to Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) put an end to Clare’s scheme, and Jane warned her to stay away from Ian.
Clare’s interest soon shifted to Max’s son Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements), whom she attempted to seduce after he landed a lucrative job.
Despite his initial resistance, Bradley eventually fell for Clare’s charms, but their budding romance was thwarted by Clare’s past. Her ex, Arnold, tracked her down, leading to a failed robbery and Clare realising Bradley was too good for her.
Despite this, Clare continued her gold-digging ways, even framing her colleague Chelsea Fox, now played by Zaraah Abrahams, for theft to make a quick buck.
However, Clare’s vulnerable side emerged on the anniversary of her mother’s death, revealing her loneliness and strained relationship with Nigel.
Ultimately, Clare’s attemps to change her ways fell short. A diary revealing her gold-digging plans turned Bradley against her and after a disastrous party at Dot’s house, Clare was forced to leave Walford.
Despite trying to make amends, Bradley insisted she go, and Clare left Albert Square in a black taxi, leaving behind a farewell letter for Dot and a legacy of drama and heartbreak.
It was revealed last month that Clare was returning to Walford after learning that Nigel’s wife Julie has been keeping his dementia battle from her. It has been confirmed the returnee isn’t sticking around for long but her arrival will definitely ruffle feathers.
