Gemma Bissix Just Told Me Why She'd Rather Kill People on Hollyoaks Than Return to EastEnders

By HOAR Team 27 May, 2025 6 mins read 379 Views

So here's something that'll mess with your head.

I'm sitting across from Gemma Bissix on the Hollyoaks set, and she's practically bouncing off the walls talking about how much more fun it is to play a murderous psychopath than... well, anything else on TV right now. The woman who spent years as Claire Bates on EastEnders is back as Clare Devine after 12 bloody years, and honestly? She's never looked happier.

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The Call That Changed Everything (And Why EastEnders Never Even Tried)

"I got the call," she says, words tumbling out like she's had three espressos. "End of January. And it was really funny because obviously Nigel came back to EastEnders around November, so there was all this social media chatter about me returning too."

Plot twist: EastEnders never asked.

"No, they didn't ask me," she admits without a hint of bitterness. "I think they did fantastic with their 40th birthday celebrations. Paul Bradley is doing brilliantly with his dementia storyline." She pauses, gets a bit more serious. "Realistically, that storyline would've probably been Claire Bates taking money from a dementia sufferer, which... I wouldn't want to do that. Even though it's not real, people believe this stuff is real."

And boy, does she have stories about that. Back in her original Hollyoaks run, she got fan mail from a prisoner offering to be her accomplice. A vicar wrote monthly letters promising to exorcise her demons if she'd just come see him.

I mean, what the hell?

Why Playing a Killer Beats Everything Else

"Where can you go to a job and kill people, have fights on set and get to be really, really nasty?" she grins. "The character of Clare Devine is just something else. She's more fun."

There's your answer, EastEnders. Your loss is definitely Channel 4's gain.

But here's where it gets interesting - this isn't the same Clare who left 12 years ago. She's been in a coma, learned to walk again, fell in love, became a mum to Tori (because of course the kid's biological mother is serial killer Nico Blake). Everything she's doing now comes from wanting her daughter back.

The Mum Thing Changes Everything

"I think she wants to be loved," Gemma tells me, and there's something vulnerable in her voice. "For the 12 years she's been away... she genuinely did fall in love with her husband. She's been doing arts and crafts with Tori, taking her to gymnastics, actually being a normal person."

Normal. Right.

Gemma's got two daughters herself - nine and eight - who have absolutely no idea what mummy actually does for work. They've seen her in pantomimes as Sugar Plum Fairy or whatever, but that's it. She showed them some old Clare episodes a few years back and their faces... "Mummy, why are you like that? Why are you doing that?"

The horror in their voices still gets to her.

When Your Kids Make You Question Roller Coasters

"I was nervous when I started," she admits. "You have self-doubt, don't you? Like going on a roller coaster now, I think it's going to fall apart, whereas I used to just go on them and not care. I was a thrill seeker."

Becoming a mother changes you. "I've got more to lose - I want my children to be proud of me."

But she also wants to show them something important. "I want to show them about an independent woman, that mummy does work, that it's important for women to empower themselves."

The Sister Act Nobody Saw Coming

Here's something mental: Gemma and Tamara Wall (Grace Black) grew up in the same village but never met until after Gemma left Hollyoaks and Tamara joined. Now they're best mates playing sisters, and they're basically a comedy double act.

"It's pretty dark stuff, but it's almost like you've got the straight one and teh comedy one," Gemma laughs.

They want a spin-off. Badly.

"Hollyoaks Later, some proper violence. As long as they can take us abroad - Mexico on a drug cartel thing? Perfect."

Fighting Kim Tate and Battering Tracy Barlow

With all this talk about Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossovers, Gemma's got ideas. Big ones.

"I'd love to do some stuff with the Dingles. And Kim Tate - I think I'd batter her. I would love some scenes with Tracy Barlow in Corrie."

She grins. "Obviously Clare would win."

Obviously.

Clare Devine returns to Hollyoaks this week, and honestly? After talking to Gemma, I'm convinced this is exactly where she belongs. EastEnders might've given her her start at nine years old, but Hollyoaks lets her be properly, brilliantly unhinged.

And sometimes that's exactly what we need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there international adaptations of UK soap operas?

Yes, some UK soap operas have inspired international adaptations. For example, "Coronation Street" has been adapted in various countries, showcasing the show's universal themes and appeal.

What role do special episodes play in UK soap operas?

Special episodes, such as anniversaries or holiday specials, are significant events in UK soap operas. They often feature dramatic storylines or significant character developments, drawing in higher viewership and creating buzz among fans.

What is the format of a typical episode of a UK soap opera?

A typical episode of a UK soap opera runs for about 30 minutes and features multiple interwoven storylines focusing on different characters. This format allows for a dynamic viewing experience and keeps audiences engaged.

What is the setting of "Coronation Street"?

"Coronation Street" is set in the fictional Weatherfield, a suburb of Manchester. The show focuses on the lives of the residents of Coronation Street and the various challenges they face.

How has the viewership of UK soap operas changed over the years?

Viewership of UK soap operas has fluctuated over the years, with some experiencing declines due to changing viewing habits and competition from streaming services. However, many still maintain a loyal audience and adapt to new trends.

Statistics

"Coronation Street" holds the record as the longest-running soap opera in the UK, having first aired in 1960.
Soap operas in the UK typically air 4 to 6 episodes per week, with "EastEnders" airing four times a week.
Approximately 15% of the viewership for UK soap operas comes from overseas audiences, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.
In 2022, "Hollyoaks" addressed mental health issues through a storyline that received significant media attention and praise.
Soap operas have been shown to influence public opinion on social issues, with studies indicating a correlation between storylines and changes in viewer attitudes.
Each episode of a UK soap opera typically has a production budget ranging from £100,000 to £250,000, depending on the complexity of the storyline and production requirements.
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters has become increasingly prominent in UK soap operas, reflecting societal changes and advancements in representation.
The average viewership for "EastEnders" is approximately 5 million viewers per episode.

External Links

How To

How To Watch Classic Episodes of UK Soap Operas

If you're interested in watching classic episodes of UK soap operas, several platforms provide access to archived content. Begin by checking the official websites of the respective shows, as they may have sections dedicated to classic episodes. Streaming services like BritBox or ITV Hub often feature classic episodes or special collections. You can also explore DVD collections available for purchase, which may include significant episodes from the show's history. Online platforms like YouTube may contain fan-uploaded classic episodes or clips, allowing you to revisit iconic moments from your favorite soaps.