Messy history.
The episode began with the Mitchell family preparing for a day of mourning while Nigel's wido
w Julie struggled emotionally as she attempted to write a eulogy worthy of her late husband. But things quickly became more complicated when Julie welcomed in her son Josh and stepdaughter Clare, played by Jon Lee and Gemma Bissix.
Long-time viewers will remember that Clare and Nigel had spent years estranged before reconnecting earlier this year, while Josh hadn't appeared on-screen since 1998. However, the biggest moment came when Ian and his mother Kathy arrived at No.55. The atmosphere immediately turned uncomfortable as Ian and Clare exchanged awkward glances but barely spoke. Ian quietly apologised for her loss, though the tension between them was impossible to ignore.
But beneath the surface, Clare was secretly plotting ways to make money fast — preferably by targeting wealthy men around Albert Square. Although several men caught her attention like Max and Jack Branning, Ian Beale was the only one who seriously responded to her flirtation despite already being married to Jane Beale.
Clare openly pursued Ian and the pair even shared a kiss. While they never embarked on a full affair, Clare quickly realised she could use the situation to her advantage. After attempted to take things further, Clare blackmailed him by threatening to expose their tryst to Jane unless he handed over £10k.
One of her closest friendships at the time was with Chelsea Fox, with the pair regularly socialising to attract wealthy men. But things took a darker turn when Chelsea's drug use spiralled and her behaviour became increasingly erratic.
Sensing an opportunity, Clare stole money from Tanya and deliberately framed Chelsea for the theft, leading to Chelsea losing her job. Eventually, Clare's lies and manipulation began catching up with her.
Clare's downfall came when Bradley Branning (someone she once had a close connection with) discovered she'd been planning to take his money all along. Although Clare tried convincing Bradley she could change, he refused to believe her and demanded she leave Walford for good. In August 2008, Clare finally departed Albert Square, leaving Dot a goodbye letter and stealing £200 from Bradley on her way out.
Gemma Bissix has played Clare since the character first appeared in EastEnders in 1993 and remains one of the soap's most memorable troublemakers.
Outside of EastEnders, the actress is also famous for portraying iconic Hollyoaks villain Clare Devine. Gemma recently reprised the role on the Channel 4 soap, where Clare was involved in its dramatic anniversary plane crash storyline before seemingly being killed off after a showdown with Sienna Blake. But many viewers remain convinced Gemma could return her EastEnders stint.
Wednesday's episode also featured another dramatic storyline as Grant, Phil and Sam raced to rescue Mark Fowler Jr. after he was kidnapped by masked men linked to gangster Russell Delaney. Russell had demanded Mark's debt be paid in full, while also insisting Sam settle her own score with him.
