According to the Daily Mirror, an insider described the circumstances as heartbreaking, with Nigel's death set to air next week. The same source indicated that while Bissix's return was initially brief, producers decided to bring her back for the funeral, suggesting it will be an emotional storyline. Bissix made her professional debut on EastEnders in 1993 and remained on-screen until 2008, but she currently stars on the soap Hollyoaks.
According to the Daily Mirror, Gemma Bissix described her recent return as an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be involved in Nigel's poignant dementia storyline, which she said resonates with many people and marks a full circle moment for her career. She also reflected on past self-doubt, noting that she used to question herself a lot when younger, but has grown to believe in herself more, especially with her children. It is unclear whether Bissix's return to EastEnders will be permanent or just for Nigel's funeral, and the exact date of the funeral episode has not been announced.
It will be in heartbreaking circumstances as Nigel is set to die next week in emotional scenes.
Additionally, it is unknown how long her upcoming stint on EastEnders will last or whether she will continue on Hollyoaks while appearing on the BBC soap.
It was only originally for a short stint but bosses couldn’t not bring her back again for Nigel’s funeral. There won’t be a dry eye in the house.
It’s been an absolute pleasure to be back, and a privilege to be involved in Nigel’s poignant dementia storyline. I think it’s a storyline that sadly resonates with so many people and it’s been a real full circle moment for me, as EastEnders is where I learnt my craft as I was on the show from the age of nine.
When I was younger, I used to question myself a lot. I used to think, was I any good? We all have self-doubt, even now I still have my own little self-doubt and I think as I’ve grown up and now with my children, I need to be better at believing in myself.