Gemma makes second EastEnders exit

Viewers will be hooked in a couple of weeks' time when Gemma Bissix - aka scheming Clare Bates - exits BBC One soap EastEnders for the second time.

She filmed her final scenes last month, and spoke to Digital Spy about her experience of being a part of the soap, and what the future holds for her.

The minx played with Bradley's (Charlie Clements) heartstrings before leaving, but according to Bissix, what we've seen of the character is just the beginning. "This isn't a closed chapter," she insisted.

"At the end of the day, she's been outed off the Square and with the character she is, she doesn't even know what's going on in her own head.

"Someone like Clare doesn't stick around Walford unless there's a reason. I like to believe in what I do and believe in my characters. I'm not going to stay in a job for no reason. Clare would definitely leave in this situation."

Ironically, Bissix bumped into former on-screen dad Paul Bradley on her first day back at EastEnders.

"I took my mum with me, funnily enough. She used to chaperone me for the six years that I was with EastEnders before and we all sat in the canteen and had lunch like it was old times."

Anyone keen to see the pretty blonde star back on the screen should pay attention as she reveals what projects she's got in the pipeline.

"I've got a couple of bits and pieces on the horizon. I've got an episode of Hotel Babylon coming up and I've got an episode of Britannia High, too - a musical drama series that Gary Barlow's written.

"They're not regular jobs, though, like EastEnders. I'm secure enough now, though, to take a few risks in what I do. I'd like to be able to try different avenues. As an actress, you live by your contract, so nothing's secure unless you have one."