Clare Bates Returns to EastEnders: Is She Staying?

0:00On April 6th, East Inders fans are buzzing with rumors that Claire Bates might be sticking around Albert Square for good. Jimma by 6th slipped back into the role for a short run in March, showing up to support her adoptive dad Nigel as he battles dementia. It's got everyone talking about whether this is just a quick visit or the start of something bigger. By 6th first played Claire, starting at age 9, back in 1993, holding down the part until 1998. She popped back in 2008 before heading over to Hollywood, but now she's circling back to her roots on the BBC soap. Viewers love seeing her tie into Nigel's emotional storyline, calling it a full circle moment that hits home for folks dealing with dementia and real. Life. Fans on Reddit raved about how it felt right for Claire to show up, praising the writing as some of the show's best work lately. Then, a couple weeks later, on April 4th, the official East Inders YouTube dropped a video called Get to Know Claire Bates. Recapping her top moments. The timing right after her episodes has folks speculating it's a sneaky hint she's not done yet.

1:05Comments are flooding in with questions like, is she back for real and plenty are pushing for more Claire because she's got that spark. Keep an eye on Walford, this could heat up quick.