Soap star Gemma Bissix relishes her EastEnders return Gemma Bissix has revealed that she's cherished her EastEnders return. 30 April 2026 EastEnders star Gemma Bissix thinks it's "right" that she returns for Nigel Bates' funeral. Gemma Bissix is returning to the BBC soap The 42-year-old actress has played Clare Bates, Nigel's daughter, on EastEnders since the 90s, and Gemma was thrilled to have been invited back to say goodbye to the character played by Paul Bradley. Gemma said: "When I returned earlier this year, we always knew Clare had to come back for Nigel's funeral.