Behind the scenes of Walford, a real friendship blossomed—and it shaped one young actress forever

A Bond Beyond the Screen

Before EastEnders fans ever knew her as Clare Bates, Gemma Bissix was just a teenager walking onto one of the UK’s most iconic soap sets. What she didn’t expect? A lifelong mentor in the form of Dame Barbara Windsor.

Barbara, already a household name, took young Gemma under her wing. She didn’t just run lines with her or give her tips. She gave her something far more powerful: confidence.

Gemma recently opened up about the impact Barbara had on her life and career. “She was incredible,” she said, revealing that Barbara even helped her get an agent when she left the show at 15. But their connection wasn’t just professional—it was personal, grounded in care and respect.

Barbara: The Matriarch of the Set

According to Gemma, Barbara took her role as a mentor seriously. She helped her with dialogue, taught her how to behave professionally, and guided her through the overwhelming parts of filming.

“She made sure you knew your lines,” Gemma recalled. “And if you didn’t, you knew about it.” Yet it wasn’t strictness for its own sake. It was about showing respect—for the craft, for the team, and for yourself.

Even after Gemma left the soap, Barbara stayed in touch, checking in and offering support. That consistency gave Gemma the grounding she needed to pursue other roles with discipline and self-belief.

Clare Bates: A Soap Life Full of Twists

Clare’s journey in EastEnders was packed with drama. Introduced in 1993, she arrived in Walford after her mother, Debbie Tyler, left her abusive partner Liam and moved in with Nigel Bates.

Tragedy soon struck. Debbie was killed in a car crash, and Clare had to navigate grief and a custody battle. Her loyalty to Nigel paid off—he was granted custody after Liam’s violent past came to light.

Like many teens in soapland, Clare spiraled. She spread rumours, bullied Sonia Jackson, and rebelled hard. But Nigel helped steer her back. A visit to his old school gave her perspective. She made peace with Sonia and began dating Josh Saunders.

Eventually, Clare left the Square with Josh, Nigel, and his new love, Julie Haye. But she later returned, proving that in Walford, no door is ever fully closed.