Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks star Gemma Bissix has cleared up confusion over her future in the show – and it’s good news for fans of Clare Devine. The fan favourite was recently tipped for a shock exit after the Channel 4 soap’s 30th anniversary celebrations in October, but yesterday it was reported that she’d already signed a new contract to return beyond this.
Gemma walked down the red carpet at the Inside Soap Awards 2025 last night (29 September) and we took the opportunity to find out the truth once and for all.
What to Read Next
Insisting that none of the speculation is coming from her, Gemma explained: “It was reported that I was leaving in the first place – and I never reported that! And then it’s been reported that I signed a new contract. There is nothing like that – Clare was never leaving.
“I’m always going to be part of Hollyoaks, but I’ve got children down in London, so this stint has been a six-month stint. If Clare goes away for a little bit, she’s not dying.
Getty Images
Related: Hollyoaks to air emotional scenes for multiple characters after Jez is caught out
“Producer Hannah [Cheers] promised to never kill me off, but I’m never going to be someone who lives in the village. So you have to understand that Clare will dip in and out.”
Meanwhile, fan speculation has been rife that Gemma could reprise her role as Clare Bates in EastEnders at some point in the future.
Clare’s on-screen father Nigel is currently taking centre stage in a dementia storyline, although she hasn’t yet featured as part of the plot.
Lime Pictures
Related: 10 huge Hollyoaks spoilers for next week (6 to 8 October)
Gemma laughed: “I just spoke to two of the EastEnders guys and I was like, ‘Hi, I know you, I’m Nigel’s daughter, I’m on Phil’s fridge!’ Because Clare is on Phil’s fridge as a 10-year-old at the moment.
“I want there to be a crossover. I think that Clare Bates is Clare Devine! And then she should also be a Clare in Emmerdale and a Clare in Corrie. We’re doing soap crossovers, I believe that Clare should be the first character that is a crossover in each!”
The Inside Soap Awards took place in London last night and saw Coronation Street and EastEnders win big after strong support from the readers.
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
The new edition of Living Legends is here! Buy Gaga in newsagents or online, priced at just £8.99.