BBC Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Kerry Barrett 21 Feb 2026, 21:02 By Kerry Barrett 21 Feb 2026, 21:02 Clare Bates is returning for Nigel's heartbreaking dementia storyline Clare's return isn't without drama! Julie Bates Nigel Bates Phil Mitchell Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Kerry Barrett 21 Feb 2026, 21:02 By Kerry Barrett 21 Feb 2026, 21:02 Clare Bates, Nigel’s long-lost step-daughter, is coming back to EastEnders this spring. Clare and Nigel are estranged and have lost touch in recent years. But when Clare finds out about Nigel’s dementia, she returns to Albert Square to see her former step-dad. Clare Bates is returning to Walford this spring (Credit: BBC) Clare is coming home! Clare’s shocked when she arrives and is confronted by the reality of how frail Nigel has become. She’s upset by what the future looks like for him. Obviously, things are more than a little stressful for Nigel, his wife Julie, and best friend Phil. And that means Clare’s arrival isn’t going to be without drama! But as the family try to make decisions about what’s best for Nigel, it becomes clear that Clare needs to be a part of things. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Debbie appeared in Nigel’s special episode (Credit: BBC) Back again Clare will be played by Gemma Bissix – who played the role as a youngster. Clare’s mum Debbie married Nigel in the 1990s and the three lived as a family until Debbie’s tragic death. Gemma has since become a soap icon as Clare Devine in Hollyoaks. Clare Bates did return to Albert Square in 2008. She arrived in dramatic fashion when she was thrown out of a car! Clare had a romance with Max’s son Bradley Branning, and left after a few months. This is the first time she has come back to Walford since then. Gemma said: “Nigel and Clare were a formidable pairing in the 90s with a very unique stepfather/stepdaughter relationship. Whilst it will be an emotional reunion, I hope the viewers will be pleased to see Clare and Nigel on screen together once again!” EastEnders has been working with Dementia UK and experts in the field on Nigel’s storyline to ensure it has been portrayed as sensitively and as accurately as possible. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Kerry Barrett 21 Feb 2026, 21:02 By Kerry Barrett 21 Feb 2026, 21:02 Next Story
