Gemma Bissix, who has returned to EastEnders as Clare Bates for Nigel’s dementia storyline, once opened up about her child actor salary on the BBC soap
An EastEnders actress once revealed how much they earned for a stint on the soap – and it’s apparently not that much….
Gemma Bissix first appeared on the BBC soap back in 1993 as a youngster portraying Clare Bates, daughter of mum Debbie (Nicola Duffett) and her husband Nigel (Paul Bradley).
Following Debbie’s death, Clare departed Walford in 1998. She made a comeback in 2008 for a short period before her departure saw her get caught trying to swindle the likes of Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).
Nevertheless, Clare has now returned to Walford, having discovered Nigel’s dementia diagnosis. This week, after years of separation, Clare reunited with Nigel – but he failed to recognise Clare, breaking her heart.
During Thursday’s episode (March 5), Nigel recalled Clare before he relocated to a residential care home. A bewildered Nigel subsequently ended up attacking his family, even striking Clare’s lip, reports the Mirror. A tearful Clare then departed, promising she would stay in contact.
Back in 2013, Gemma spoke candidly about her stint on the BBC One soap and when questioned if she had put aside some money from appearing in the long-running programme, she gave a frank response.
“What money? Wellard the dog was paid more than me, I think. People expect you to earn loads of money but I was a child actor and it’s not as much as everybody thinks,” Clare told The Mirror at the time, before adding: “Though I did manage to save some.”
Gemma was also asked if she felt disappointed when she initially had to depart the soap in 1993. She responded: “No – it was the right time for the character to go.
“Besides, when you get to 15 and haven’t been able to cut your hair for six years, you want a change. The first thing I did was dye my hair pink and got suspended from school.”
Fast forward to this month, and Gemma has returned to the soap as Clare – something she described as having “been an absolute pleasure” and a “privilege to be involved in Nigel’s poignant dementia storyline”.
She continued: “I think it’s a storyline that sadly resonates with so many people and it’s been a real full circle moment for me, as EastEnders is where I learnt my craft as I was on the show from the age of 9.”
