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LIFE AFTER SOAP

Remember actress Gemma Bissix who played Hollyoaks’ crazy Clare Cunningham AND EastEnders villain Clare Bates? Here’s what she’s up to now…

SOAP star Gemma Bissix is known for playing two VERY crazy Clares on television

The experienced actress has enjoyed over two decades in the spotlight – but what is she up to now?

 Gemma Bissix was just nine-years-old when she was cast in EastEnders
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Gemma Bissix was just nine-years-old when she was cast in EastEndersCredit: PA:Press Association

From a ruthless gold-digger in EastEnders, to setting Hollyoaks' The Loft alight in a killer blaze, Gemma has experienced no shortage of dramatic storylines.

The two-time British Soap Award-winner, 33, grew up before viewers' eyes when she landed her first role in EastEnders.

She was just nine-years-old when she was cast as Clare Tyler in the popular BBC soap.

 Gold-digging Clare attempted to woo Bradley into a saucy affair in the plot of the BBC soap
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Gold-digging Clare attempted to woo Bradley into a saucy affair in the plot of the BBC soapCredit: BBC
 Gemma also played a crazy Clare in Hollyoaks, starring in 26 episodes
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 Gemma also played a crazy Clare in Hollyoaks, starring in 26 episodesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

The Surrey-born actress featured in over 200 episodes of ‘Enders between 1993-2008, before briefly re-appearing in 2013.

Her return to Albert Square was short-lived, as her character was killed off by Doctor Browning, who shockingly ran her over with his car.

Hollyoaks fans will also be very familiar with the actress, as she played Clare Cunningham from 2006-2013.

 Gemma competed in Dancing on Ice in 2014, but was the first female contestant to be eliminated
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Gemma competed in Dancing on Ice in 2014, but was the first female contestant to be eliminatedCredit: ITV
 The popular soap star regularly posts holiday snaps on social media
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The popular soap star regularly posts holiday snaps on social mediaCredit: Xposure
 She is engaged to her partner Kristian, and the pair are expecting their second baby
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She is engaged to her partner Kristian, and the pair are expecting their second babyCredit: Twitter/ @Gemma_Bissix

As Gemma replaced Samantha Rowley, who played the character previously, her on-screen persona was written into some very dark storylines.

From dabbling in drugs, to blackmailing Warren and setting fire to The Loft, there was never a dull moment when the soap star was on-screen.

Since leaving Soap land, the TV star has continued to pursue a career in the world of showbusiness.

She's dabbled in a number of reality shows, including Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Masterchef, Hole in the Wall and Total Wipeout.

Gemma’s latest acting role is in Ghetto Heaven, where she will be playing Amanda Hughes.

The urban drama is set for release later this year, but is currently still in its post-production stages.

 The actress is set to star in a new drama, Ghetto Heaven
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The actress is set to star in a new drama, Ghetto HeavenCredit: Twitter/ @Gemma_Bissix

As well as taking on more acting roles, Gemma has recently welcomed baby Juliette into the world and is expecting another little one in the coming months.

Happy couple Gemma and her partner Kristian Ruse often share adorable family snaps on social media.

The pair are engaged but seem to be keeping their wedding plans under wraps.

Recently we revealed what the actress who played Lucy Beale, at the centre of one of the biggest whodunnits of all time, was up to now.

We also showed how the actress who played Tiffany Butcher was all grown up, and revealed what happened to Michelle Fowler.

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