Clare's back for Nigel's funeral - and she's not alone

The Bates family will be reunited
Kerry Barrett
By Kerry Barrett

Clare Bates – Nigel’s stepdaughter – will be returning to Albert Square for Nigel’s funeral.

And Clare’s not the only old face who’s coming back to Walford for Nigel’s sad goodbye.

Julie’s son Josh will also be returning, which means Clare and Josh reunited on screen for the first time in almost 30 years!

Clare, Julie and Josh
Clare, Julie and Josh will be reunited (Credit: BBC)

Who plays Clare and Josh?

Josh was played by S Club star Jon Lee back in the 1990s, and fans will be delighted to know that the pop star will be reprising his role when Josh returns!

Of course Gemma Bissix will be playing Clare.

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Who is Josh Saunders?

Josh was the reason Julie and Nigel met! Back in 1997, he rescued Clare when she was being targeted by bullies.

The teens hit it off and Clare developed a thumping big crush on Josh. She spent a lot of time trying to impress him and the pair started dating.

But their cute romance hit a snag when she found out that Josh’s mum was her teacher, Julie!

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Clare got over it though, and she was delighted when Julie and Nigel started dating too.

In April 1998, Julie and Josh moved to Scotland. Nigel and Clare decided to stay in Walford.

But right at the last minute, Nigel changed his mind. He asked Julie if he and Clare could move with her and Josh.

Of course Julie agreed. Clare was thrilled, and she and Nigel left Albert Square a few weeks later.

Clare and Nigel
Clare cme back to see Nigel earlier this year (Credit: BBC)

Josh and Clare will return for the funeral

“It was quite surreal stepping back on to Albert Square after so many years,” said Jon. “It was lovely to see my onscreen family again”.

“When I returned earlier this year, we always knew Clare had to come back for Nigel’s funeral,” Gemma added. “He meant so much to her, and it felt right to be there for the conclusion of his story, as everyone came together to say their final goodbyes.”

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns