Long-term viewers of EastEnders, prepare yourselves for a potential blast from the past! Recent storylines have been subtly yet significantly weaving a narrative thread that strongly suggests the possible return of a beloved, albeit complex, character: Nigel Bates’s step-daughter, Clare Bates. The seeds of this potential comeback have been sown through Nigel’s poignant struggle with dementia, a condition that has brought his long-lost step-daughter sharply back into focus.

For those who may have forgotten, Clare holds a significant place in Nigel’s history. She was the daughter of his first wife, Debbie, whose life was tragically cut short in a hit-and-run accident. Nigel, a man of immense heart, embraced the young Clare as his own, raising her with love and devotion. However, upon Nigel’s return to Albert Square last December, coinciding with the heartbreaking revelation of his early-onset dementia diagnosis, a crucial piece of their history was unveiled: Nigel and Clare had become estranged sometime prior.

Despite the distance that has grown between them in recent years, Clare remains a vivid and constant presence in Nigel’s increasingly fragmented memory. As his dementia progresses, his recollections of Clare have become distorted, often placing her back in her childhood. He has, in several touching and sometimes unsettling moments, mistaken some of Albert Square’s younger residents for a young Clare, firmly believing she is still a child of around ten years old.

The first instance of this poignant confusion occurred during an encounter with Lexi Pearce. Young Lexi, understandably concerned about the whereabouts of her granddad Phil Mitchell, approached a disoriented Nigel. Tragically unaware of Nigel’s condition, Lexi was understandably spooked when he referred to her as “Clare,” his mind lost in the corridors of his past.

More recently, Nigel’s misidentification of others took a darker turn during the Easter egg hunt. Witnessing Harvey Monroe participating in the festive activity with young Hope Fowler, Nigel’s confused mind conjured a disturbing image. Mistaking Harvey’s innocent interaction for something sinister, he shockingly branded Harvey a pedophile, believing he was attempting to abduct a young Clare. This distressing incident highlighted the depth of Nigel’s distorted perceptions and the emotional turmoil he is experiencing.

The VE Day celebrations last week further underscored Nigel’s deep connection to his past and his longing for familiar faces. In a heart-wrenching moment at the war memorial, Nigel was convinced that his dear departed friends, Peggy Mitchell and Arthur Fowler, were present, marking the occasion as they had done in 1995. The compassionate residents of Walford rallied together, organizing a heartfelt party to prevent Nigel from being disappointed. Upon arriving at the gathering, Nigel’s confusion deepened as he believed Clare and Debbie, his late wife, were standing beside him, a testament to the enduring place they hold in his memory.

Upcoming episodes will see Nigel’s confusion extend to his present relationships. In a particularly poignant scene, he will mistake his kind and patient friend, Jean Slater, for his beloved late wife, Debbie, and even attempt to kiss her. These instances paint a vivid picture of a man whose past is increasingly encroaching upon his present, with Clare playing a significant role in his fading recollections.

Adding another layer to this unfolding narrative, Clare’s 40th birthday is on the horizon, a milestone that weighs heavily on Nigel’s heart. He is visibly heartbroken by their lack of contact, the estrangement casting a long shadow over his already troubled mind. His confidante, Yolande Trueman, offers a comforting shoulder to cry on and gently encourages him to try and rebuild bridges with his step-daughter. However, their supportive dynamic takes a turn when Yolande inadvertently gets on the wrong side of Nigel, hinting at the unpredictable nature of his condition and the challenges of navigating his fluctuating moods and memories.

The burning question on every fan’s lips is: will Clare make a surprise reappearance in Albert Square? The narrative threads woven throughout Nigel’s storyline certainly point towards the possibility. His constant references to Clare, his emotional distress over their estrangement, and Yolande’s encouragement for reconciliation all serve as compelling hints that Clare’s return could be imminent, potentially triggered by Nigel’s deteriorating condition and his heartfelt longing for connection.

However, a potential spanner in the works for eager fans is the recent news that Gemma Bissix, the actress who originally portrayed Clare Bates, has reprised a role in another popular soap, Hollyoaks, where she plays a character coincidentally named Claire Divine. This casting news might lead some to believe that a return to EastEnders is unlikely. Yet, in the ever-surprising world of soap operas, particularly one as iconic as EastEnders, logistical hurdles can often be overcome, and surprise cameos are a well-loved tradition. Could this be a deliberate misdirection to heighten the impact of a potential shock return?

Looking back at Clare’s history in Walford adds another layer of intrigue to the possibility of her comeback. During her initial stint in the 1990s, Clare was involved in storylines that saw her bullying Sonia Jackson and navigating a complex relationship with Josh Saunders. A significant plot point involved the revelation that Josh’s mother, Julie, was not only Clare’s teacher but was also in a romantic relationship with Nigel, creating considerable teenage angst and family drama.

Clare left Walford in 1998 when Julie secured a new job in Scotland, with the entire family relocating. It would be a decade before Clare resurfaced in Albert Square, returning as a more mature, and arguably more manipulative, character. Her 2008 return saw her portrayed as a gold digger, attempting to ensnare several of Walford’s male residents. She also stirred up significant trouble for the Slater family, causing a rift between Stacey and Bradley Branning and even resorting to stealing money from her stepmother Tanya and trashing her grandmother Dot’s beloved house.

This complex and often troublesome history suggests that Clare’s return to Albert Square would undoubtedly bring a fresh wave of drama and potential conflict. How would she react to Nigel’s dementia? Would she be motivated by genuine concern for her step-father, or might old habits and opportunistic tendencies resurface? Her interactions with current residents, many of whom were also present during her previous stints, would be ripe with potential for rekindled friendships, old rivalries, and the unearthing of past grievances.

The writers of EastEnders are masters of weaving long-term narratives and delivering unexpected twists. Nigel’s dementia storyline has been handled with sensitivity and emotional depth, and the recurring focus on his memories of Clare feels deliberate. Whether Gemma Bissix ultimately reprises the role or another actress steps into Clare’s shoes, the hints dropped throughout the recent episodes have undeniably sent the fanbase into a frenzy of speculation and anticipation. The potential return of such an iconic, albeit complicated, character holds the promise of compelling storylines and a deep dive into the intertwined histories of some of Walford’s most beloved families. Could Clare’s arrival be the catalyst for healing old wounds, or will it open up a Pandora’s Box of past secrets and unresolved conflicts? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Nigel Bates’s poignant story and the potential return of the step-daughter who remains so vividly etched in his fading memory.