EastEnders featured a tense reunion during Nigel Bates’s emotional funeral service. Ian Beale met Clare Bates for the first time in years. We can say that this uncomfortable moment directly highlights Clare’s terrible behaviour during her past time in Walford.
Meanwhile, will this unexpected meeting create new trouble for the residents? And how will Ian react to seeing his former blackmailer right in front of him? Keep scrolling to learn more.
Ian And Clare Come Face-To-Face In EastEnders
The BBC soap delivered an uncomfortable blast from the past during yesterday’s emotional episode. Ian Beale came ‘face-to-face’ with legendary troublemaker Clare Bates. And this confrontation happened amid the solemn proceedings of Nigel Bates’s funeral. In fact, viewers remembered the historical blackmail drama that had shattered their relationship two decades before.
The atmosphere turned worse at No. 55 when the local businessman and Kathy Beale arrived to offer condolences to the returning family. And we want to let the audience know that this is the first time the old acquaintances have crossed paths in ‘18’ years. If we look back at the historical conflict, the local tycoon apologised for her loss.
The returning orphan, Clare, used to actively target wealthy married men around the neighbourhood to get quick cash. In fact, multiple residents caught her attention. However, Ian was the only one who responded seriously to her flirtation despite being already married to Jane Beale.
And after Clare pursued the resident and initiated a kiss. After which, she tried to take things further by demanding £10k to keep the near-affair a secret. However, Ian refused to be manipulated. Hence, he decided to confess the entire tryst to his wife. Later, Jane subsequently chased the scammer out of their lives.
Historic Walford Crimes Overshadow A Tragic Family Farewell
During her initial stint, the schemer had a close alliance with Chelsea Fox to trap wealthy men. However, soon Chelsea’s shrug use spiralled. That’s when Clare took the opportunity and stole money from Tanya Branning’s beauty salon and framed Chelsea for the theft. The consequences were that Chelsea lost her job in all this mess.
The iconic troublemaker left Albert Square after leaving Dot a goodbye letter and stealing money from Bradley on her way out. Now, Gemma Bissix has briefly returned to conclude Nigel’s dementia storyline along with on-screen brother Josh. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.