EastEnders fans know how much the show becomes a second home for young actors, and sometimes the most unexpected bonds turn into lifelong support. This story is all about that and a connection that shaped a teenager’s entire path. It is about Clair Bates, played by Gemma Bissix. And she spoke about how Barbara had an impact on her life. Keep scrolling to know more.
Barbara Windsor’s Mentorship In Clare Bates’ Early EastEnders Years
Gemma shared that Barbara Windsor helped her get an agent when she left the BBC soap at 15 years old. She even called her “incredible”. Elsewhere, even Barbara treated her as a proper mentor, not just a co-star. Gemma was too young on set, and so Barbara used to help her with her lines. She behaved like a proper professional. And she knew how to carry herself even when things became overwhelming.
Barbara even stayed in touch long after. She checked on her and made sure she felt supported. Gemma even became more disciplined, and she credits Barbara for giving her confidence. She called her the ‘matriarch of the show”, as she used to push everyone to know their lines.
She used to make sure that everybody knew she wasn’t happy about it. And that was the reason why she felt grounded despite being part of many intense storylines during the soap.
Clare Bates Walford Journey
Clare arrived in Walford in 1993 when her mum, Debbie Tyler, moved in with Nigel Bates. Clare’s father, Liam, abused Debbie, and so she left his house. However, he followed them to Walford. He wanted to sabotage Debbie and Nigel’s lives. However, the couple married in 1994. But Debbie was killed in an accident the next year.
And now Clare had to take care of Nigel, as he was heartbroken. Then came the custody battle, where Clare wanted to stay with Nigel, not Liam. Luckily, Nigel won her custody as Liam’s violent past was exposed in court. Clare then fell into the typical teenage chaos. She, along with Janine Butcher and Sonia Jackson, spread rumours about Felix Kawalski.
She even later bullied Sonia, but Nigel stepped in. He took her to his old school, and this changed her behaviour. After which, she sorted things with Sonia. She later dates Josh Saunders because he defended her when his old group turned against her. Nigel was concerned for her, yet their love blossomed. However, she soon learnt that Josh’s mother, Julie Haye, was her teacher.
But little did she know that even Nigel and Julie had a romance thing between them. Then Julie got a job in Scotland. And Nigel chose to leave Walford with her. Even Josh and Clare joined them, ending Clare’s time in Albert Square. However, she did return for a while later. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.