Legendary Hollyoaks villain returns from the dead 12 years after being killed off in dramatic scenes
LEGENDARY soap villain Gemma Bissix is returning to Hollyoaks after a 12 year hiatus.
The blonde bombshell, 41, will reprise her role on the Channel 4 soap, as minx Clare Devine next month despite being KILLED off.
The shock twist will take place as the show celebrates its 30th birthday this year.
It comes after EastEnders viewers had been expecting her to reprise her role as Clare Bates on the rival BBC1 soap after her on-screen dad Nigel, played by Paul Bradley, has mentioned her on air several times.
Gemma appeared on Albert Square for 15 years before leaving in 2008.
A source said: “Gemma’s much anticipated return to Hollyoaks has been kept top secret and her character is set to stir up plenty of on-screen drama as the soap kicks into gear around it’s 30th birthday.
“She is delighted to be asked back, especially as she’s rising from the dead. The scenes will be explosive.”
Gemma’s Hollyoaks character Clare wreaked havoc in the iconic Cheshire village but met a brutal demise in 2013 when she was mowed down by Doctor Browning, following a shove from Mercedes McQueen.
Reflecting on her departure at the time Gemma said: “I think at the time, Clare had had so many ups and downs.
“The character has to expire at some point – you can’t be that evil and not get your comeuppance.”
A Hollyoaks spokeswoman declined to comment.