EASTENDERS star Gemma Bissix has made an unexpected exit just days after returning to the soap.

The actress has reprised her role as Clare Bates for the first time in 18 years as part of on-screen dad Nigel’s dementia battle.

The pair were reunited this week but tonight Nigel finally recognised Clare, just as it became time for him to go into a care home.

But after seeing Nigel having a meltdown and being injured in the process, Clare was shaken.

She fled the room and realised her lip was bleeding and couldn’t cope.

As Phil approached her she immediately told him: “Tell Julie I’ve got to go and see the family. Just tell Julie I’ll visit.”

Clare then rushed out of the care home, bringing an end to her short stint back in Walford.

However the door has been left open for potential future visits.

Meanwhile actress Gemma will soon be back on screens in rival soap Hollyoaks to play Clare Devine once more.

The Sun exclusively revealed how she is returning to the show.

The Channel 4 soap will be welcoming back one of its most iconic ever baddies just months after she killed her own sister.

She was last seen in October when she shot and killed her sister Grace Black during the 30th anniversary celebrations.

Clare fled the village to escape but is now to make a shock return and cause chaos in the village as she faces off against her gangster family who want revenge.

A source said: “Gemma is back filming for Clare’s big comeback and will be seen on screen later this year.

“There are going to be a lot of people who aren’t happy to see her after what she did to Grace and she could find herself in serious danger.

“Her return is definitely going to be explosive.”