Clare Devine Cunningham (Gemma Bissix)

Hollyoaks will air Clare Devine's return scenes next month, it has been confirmed today (February 5).

Last night, it was announced that Gemma Bissix had agreed to reprise her role as Clare, who was last seen on screen in 2009.

Her information on Clare's shock comeback, revealing that she will take her first steps back into Hollyoaks towards the end of March.

Clare's latest return will see her come between Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) and Doctor Browning (Joseph Thompson), but exactly how she tries to tear the pair apart remains to be seen.

Bissix said today: "I'm really looking forward to re-joining the cast of Hollyoaks. Clare Devine is one of my favourite characters and I can't wait to get back into the role.

"I'm particularly excited to be working with [executive producer] Bryan Kirkwood again. He first cast me as evil Clare and I hear he is doing amazing things with Hollyoaks at the moment, so I'm really looking forward to being a part of it. Bring back the bitch!"

Meanwhile, former EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth has today expressed her delight following last night's confirmation that she is joining Hollyoaks to play Sandy Roscoe.

Sandy is the mother of five sons, who have been tipped to set pulses racing in the village - attracting the attention of the local girls and causing a whole lot of trouble of their own.

Taylforth commented: "I am really looking forward to joining Hollyoaks, which is going from strength to strength under Bryan Kirkwood at the moment.

"My real family are excited to move up to Liverpool - a fantastic city - and I'm eager to meet my new family, five hunky Hollyoaks sons who I'm sure will all be saints!"

Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.

My guess is she buys the pub from Mitzeee

Hollyoaks returnee Gemma Bissix has promised that her character Clare Devine will be "extra evil" when she heads back to Chester.

The actress recently reprised her role as Clare and is expected to be back on screen later this month.

Bissix told Channel 5's The Wright Stuff today (March 1): "I've been filming last week. It's good to go back and it's very, very evil.

"I have to promise you - it's extra evil! It's exciting times at the moment."

Show bosses have previously teased that Clare will be causing trouble for Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) and Doctor Browning (Joseph Thompson) in her latest storyline.

Bissix is also currently busy working on a touring production of Agatha Christie play A Murder Is Announced alongside Dean Gaffney, who was recently hospitalised after a car crash.

She said: "He's fine - the crash actually happened when we were on the way back from Derby after a show. It literally happened 10 minutes after the show. But he is fine, he's still got a little scar. He had to have something like 68 stitches, but he's back on stage and loving it.

"We start a new play on the 2nd May, so we've got another play starting."

Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.

Hollyoaks star Gemma Bissix has revealed that Mercedes will be no match for her character Clare Devine.

The actress recently reprised her role as Clare and is expected to be back on screen later this month.

Bissix told All About Soap that Mercedes will seriously underestimate how evil Clare really is.

"Mercedes does know what Clare's like to a certain degree, but not the full extent. Mercedes might be a bit of a bad girl herself, but I think she seriously underestimates Clare. Though Mercedes believes they're on the same level, she misjudges just how vile Clare really is."

Clare returns to the village after bumping into Mercedes and Dr Browning off screen in Las Vegas.

"Clare recognises Mercedes, and then Clare clocks Dr Browning flashing the cash at the roulette table - the pound signs begin to flash", Bissix revealed.

When asked if she has enjoyed filming with Jennifer Metcalfe, Bissix was full of praise for her co-star.

"Jen is one of the loveliest, most humble people you're likely to meet. She's so talented and has really made this experience for me. She's wonderful to work with and an absolute gem," she added.

"There's no airs and graces, it's just really fun. We enjoy work, and we do it for the art. It's a massive team effort here, and I love it."

Over on Hollyoaks, there's bound to be trouble in store as Clare Devine returns.

Clare (Gemma Bissix) heads back to the village following a chance meeting with Mercedes McQueen and Doctor Browning off-screen in Las Vegas.

A few days before Clare's shock arrival, Browning returns from Vegas with the bombshell news that Mercedes went missing during their holiday and he still has no idea where she is.

A sceptical Myra initially reckons that her daughter is just playing games as usual, but Carmel takes the matter much more seriously - fearing that Browning could have returned to his dark ways by killing Mercedes.

When Myra goes round to see Browning to discuss the situation, she is shocked to find Mercedes's blood-stained scarf while the twisted doctor is out of the room.

With the McQueens' worst fears seemingly confirmed, Browning finds himself under suspicion. However, viewers soon learn that Browning is innocent when he receives a frightened call from his fiancée, which leaves him fearing for her safety.

Later, a mystery woman in red posts a photo of a gagged Mercedes to Browning, which is shortly followed by Clare's reappearance in the village. After seeing her in Vegas, has Clare done something to Mercy?

Hollyoaks airs these scenes on Thursday, March 28 at 6.30pm on Channel 4.


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Hollyoaks returnee Gemma Bissix has confirmed that her character Clare Devine will be "back to stay" in the summer.

Clare turns up in the village next week and will be back on screen for a short period before departing again.

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Gemma Bissix


However, Bissix told Digital Spy that Clare won't be gone for long and will return as a show regular later in the year.

Bissix explained: "They gave me a good idea of her storylines straight away. Originally Clare was only going to be back for a short time, which is what you'll be seeing now - it's 'part one'! It's a bit of a teaser, because you see Clare come in for just a few weeks.

"But there are discussions going on now and [executive producer] Bryan [Kirkwood] wants to make it very public that Clare is back to stay. I'm going to be back over the summer and that'll be on a more permanent basis."

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Clare arrives back in Hollyoaks


The 29-year-old has recently been appearing in a touring production of Agatha Christie play A Murder Is Announced, and she also has another theatre project lined up for May.

She added: "I'm still doing a bit of theatre at the moment, so it's a case of mixing it up and juggling schedules. It's been nice for me to do this initial stint, because it's gone really well. But you're going to see a 'part two' for Clare, without a doubt!"

Hollyoaks airs Clare's return episode on Thursday, March 28 at 6.30pm on Channel 4.

Hollyoaks reintroduces one of its most memorable characters next week as Clare Devine arrives back in the village.

Clare makes a surprise appearance after seeing Mercedes McQueen and Doctor Browning in Las Vegas. With Mercedes now missing and someone sending threats to Browning, there are no prizes for guessing who the culprit might be…

Digital Spy recently caught up with Gemma Bissix, who plays Clare, to hear all the gossip on her Hollyoaks return.

How does it feel to be back on Hollyoaks?
"I really wasn't sure how it was going to feel, but it's just been so lovely to be back at work there. I've loved seeing all the crew and catching up with cast members I worked with the first time round, like Nick Pickard, Jimmy McKenna and James Sutton.

"It's also been great because of the character herself - I'd forgotten how evil she really was! It's quite scary how quickly I've slipped back into it, but I'm absolutely loving it."

When you were approached to return, did you have to give the idea some consideration?
"Well, I've got such a lot of trust in Bryan Kirkwood, who's back as executive producer of Hollyoaks. He did some amazing work on Clare's storylines before, so when I heard that he was coming back, it really was a no-brainer. I almost said yes straight away!

"I did have an idea of what Clare's storylines would be, but even without that, I've got a lot of faith in Bryan. The show is going from strength to strength with him back at the helm, so it didn't take much consideration at all."



Had you ever turned down a return to Hollyoaks prior to this?
"I haven't - I've always had a great relationship with Hollyoaks and absolutely loved it. If there had ever been scope for a return before, I think I would have gone back earlier, but I don't think there really was.

"Brendan's had such a long reign as top dog in the village, so I don't think there was ever going to be room for him and Clare in one place! He's been such a fantastic character for the show over the years.

"Also, I've been busy doing my own thing away from Hollyoaks. I've been doing theatre and other projects, which I've really enjoyed. The reason I left Hollyoaks the first time was because I felt that Clare had done so much and it was great to leave on a high. There wasn't much scope for her to come back for a while, but now people may have forgotten just how bad she was, so it's nice to reprise the role.

"That's the reaction that I'm seeing on Twitter, too. Most of the fans seem to be really excited about Clare coming back."

What did the producers tell you about Clare's return before you started filming?
"They gave me a good idea of her storylines straight away. Originally Clare was only going to be back for a short time, which is what you'll be seeing now - it's 'part one'! It's a bit of a teaser, because you see Clare come in for just a few weeks.

"But there are discussions going on now and Bryan wants to make it very public that Clare is back to stay. I'm going to be back over the summer and that'll be on a more permanent basis.

"I'm still doing a bit of theatre at the moment, so it's a case of mixing it up and juggling schedules. It's been nice for me to do this initial stint, because it's gone really well. But you're going to see a 'part two' for Clare, without a doubt!"

Has Hollyoaks changed much in your absence?
"The only thing that's really changed is that I used to be the 22-year-old in the green room, whereas now I'm pushing 30 and everyone else is so young! So that's probably one of the main things! (Laughs.)

"With all the crew, people who were camera assistants or camera people are now directors. I've seen that various people have risen through the ranks or changed positions, and it's really nice that Lime Pictures as a company do that. They really look after their own and recognise the talent within the crew. That's very noticeable, because there's such a lovely atmosphere on set."




Have you made some friends among the newer cast members?
"Definitely. Joe Thompson, who plays Doctor Browning, is absolutely lovely. He's a very good actor and we've really clicked.

"At the moment, I'm doing an Agatha Christie play called A Murder is Announced, and Joe came to see it in Crewe which was really nice of him. He really likes theatre, and it was also nice for him to see why I was so shattered every day when we were filming!

"I'm picking up some other friends, too. Alex Fletcher, who plays Diane, is lovely, so I've been chatting to her. I also went to the TRIC Awards last week with a few of the other cast members, so that was also really nice because they all seem lovely and very down-to-earth."

We hear that you've also been filming some scenes with Ellis Hollins who plays Tom. Have you enjoyed seeing him again?
"Absolutely. He's 13 now, but I gave him a massive cuddle - I didn't care if I embarrassed him! Fortunately he didn't mind, he's really sweet. I said to him, 'Do you remember how evil I was?' but he just said, 'No, you were dead nice!'

"I used to get on really well with Ellis and we'd play games all the time on set. I'm the eldest of five kids, so I've always loved children. He couldn't remember me being horrible to him on screen, which was good because I thought I might have scarred the poor boy! (Laughs.)

"I used to have to ring his mum and ask, 'Can I really say these things to him?!' Clare said some really horrible things to Tom, telling him that he was the reason his dad died. She did some horrendous things.

"Ellis has grown up to be such a lovely young boy. You can sometimes see that young kids can get affected by fame, but he's not at all - he's so courteous and lovely on set. I think he's the protégé of Hollyoaks as he represents what the show is about so well."

How much you can tell us about Clare's return storyline?
"The only thing I can really say is that Clare saw Doctor Browning and Mercedes in Las Vegas. She's back because she wants Browning's money and she'll do anything to get it!

"But it's also worth remembering that Clare is a very unsettled woman. I don't think she's ever really settled anywhere for very long. Even though she caused a lot of trouble when she was there, she feels an attachment to the Hollyoaks village. She was there for two and a half years, which is probably longer than she's settled anywhere else."

"Clare is quite happy to be back, as she feels it's a little village she can take control of."

Has Clare met her match in Browning? He's a dangerous character himself!
"I think Clare definitely underestimates Browning. You'll have to see how it pans out, but she doesn't realise what he's capable of and he catches her off guard a few times. But I'd like to think that Clare's always the one to come out on top - at least for now!"

Does Clare return to the village all guns blazing, or lie low for a while?
"She does lie low - it's a case of dark glasses and a scarf for a while! (Laughs.) Obviously she doesn't want anyone to know who she is, as that would give the game away. She's a bit shifty and sneaky here and there, at least for now."

Has Clare changed much?
"I think she's definitely grown up. She was a lot younger before, but now she knows exactly what she wants and there's no two ways about it.

"Clare makes it quite clear to Browning what she wants and what she's there for. She's more sure of herself than before. Previously, she was a bit manic but now her actions are a bit more cold and calculated. She's been to prison and she's wised up a bit."

As you mentioned, you've been very busy in theatre over the past few years. Do you prefer stage or screen work now?
"Well, I never went to drama school and I started in EastEnders when I was nine. I've done it backwards in a way, so I really wanted to learn what it was like to do stage work and have that rehearsal time.

"I do love the theatre, but I really couldn't say whether I prefer stage or screen work, as I love them both. With theatre, you get an instant response from the audience, which is great, and it's such a buzz.

"But with a character like this in Hollyoaks, it's more of a buzz than I can tell you because the pace is incredible. I couldn't even begin to tell you the stuff that I've done over the past few weeks - there's been physical stuff, stunts and lots of other exciting things

Hollyoaks returnee Gemma Bissix has revealed that she can't wait to work with former EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth.

The 29-year-old actress, who has recently returned to the Channel 4 soap to reprise her role as Clare Devine, has said she thinks Taylforth will bring "a dose of grit and glamour" to the show.

Speaking to Female First, she said: "I can't wait! She's lovely and a fantastically talented actress.

"I think she's going to bring a dose of grit and glamour to Hollyoaks."

Taylforth, who is known for her role as Kathy Beale in EastEnders, has been signed up for the part of Sandy Roscoe, who will be joining the show with five sons in a few weeks' time.

Bissix also revealed that she has enjoyed being reunited with her old co-stars since her return.

She explained: "It's been lovely. I've been filming with Nick Pickard (Tony Hutchinson) and Jimmy McKenna (Jack Osborne), who are two of my best friends.

"Clare is ready to cause trouble. She's not in Hollyoaks for a holiday, put it that way."

Hollyoaks star Gemma Bissix has admitted that viewers will be scared for Tom Cunningham when her character Clare catches up with him.

In scenes to be aired this week, Clare goes and sees Tom after being told by Doctor Browning that he has the bag that has £200,000 cash in it.

Speaking to Telly Spy, Bissix said: "When she realises it's Tom Cunningham (who has the money), she actually has a smile on her face.

"She knows she can deal with Tom as he is no threat to her at all. She is definitely going to get her money, she goes round there to terrorise him basically."

Bissix also revealed that viewers will be frightened watching Clare's scenes with Tom as her alter ego is capable of anything.

"I think she is capable of anything and that is what is so scary for the viewers about Clare, they actually don't know what she is capable of.

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Clare turns violent with Tom.


"With Tom there are no consequences, she just wants what she wants to get. When Tom is quivering and scared, she says, 'You remember what I did to your brother and you remember how evil I was'. It's a power gain," she added.

"I think viewers will be quite scared. Clare is so unpredictable, but still predictable in a way that she's not going to go away empty-handed, so I think the viewers will be a mixture of being excited, but also very very scared for Tom."

I hope she gets killed off soon