Hollyoaks confirms major return for Clare Devine after 12 years – and a huge death follows
The moment Hollyoaks fans have longed for is almost upon us, with Clare Devine (Gemma Bissix) set to stage an almighty comeback over a decade after she was killed off.
Arguably one of soap’s greatest characters ever, Clare deliciously wreaked havoc during the mid-noughties, famously tormenting Tom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins) and attempting to bump off Max (Matt Littler).
The character’s penchant for scheming and manipulating made her a firm favourite with fans, who were delighted when star Gemma – who played the role to perfection – reprised her iconic part for a short stint in 2013.
The stint in question ended with Clare controversially killed when she was mowed down by Doctor Browning following a brawl with Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe).
Fans were devastated at the prospect of a Clare-less Hollyoaks, but good things come to those who wait and, after 12 years, the Channel 4 soap’s signature schemer is miraculously alive – and returning home.
And let’s just say that hell still hath no fury like Clare Devine!
You might be wondering just how her comeback is possible given her very final demise and if so you’re not alone in that respect as Grace Black (Tamara Wall) is equally in shock when she sets her sights upon her thought-to-be-deceased sister.
A Devine comeback from the dead
Clare, it turns out, is none other than the elusive wife of DI Banks (Drew Cain) and Grace crosses her path when hunting down the dodgy detective’s associates in order to continue the child exploitation operation which she and Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) have been overseeing in the village.
But upon coming face-to-face with Clare – cough Mrs Banks – Grace is left speechless, unable to find the words to express her shock.
The estranged siblings take some time to get up to speed – presumably a long time! – with Clare filling Grace (and the viewers) in on what she’s been up to over the past decade.
By the time their trip down memory lane concludes, a dangerous alliance has been forged between the two sisters and thus Clare decides to ask Grace for help.
You see, she has one goal and one goal alone: To retrieve her money and flee with her family.
Clare Devine is back and, if history has taught us anything, it’s that she’ll do whatever it takes to get what she wants.
Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher), who is currently in possession of the cash in question, had better watch out!
Meanwhile, back in the village…
The aftermath of the child exploitation story sends shockwaves through the village, as the residents reel in the wake of recent events.
The police station is filled with concerned residents, who struggle to get their heads around what has happened to the teens.
A fatality has occurred and a shellshocked Nancy Osborne (Jessica Fox) searches for answers to the devastating events as Donny Clark (Louis Emerick) investigates – and soon a murder probe gets underway.
As the week progresses, some residents return to normal while others struggle to move past the tragedy that has occurred.
Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) is determined to find out the truth about granddaughter Tori and thus visits Donny at the station. But she makes a chilling discovery while doing so.
Just what has she uncovered?
Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson), meanwhile, receives urgent news from Misbah Maalik (Harvey Virdi) in the wake of Lucas’ (Oscar Curtis) operation.
A second return
Just when you thought next week couldn’t sound any more jam-packed , there’s also another return on the cards.
I am, of course, referring to the return of Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas), who stages his comeback after Mercedes uncovers the letter he wrote to her, which Freddie Roscoe (Charlie Clapham) intercepted.
Warren learns of Mercedes’ cancer diagnosis and attempts to remind her of their past – but is there a reunion on the cards? Or has Mercy moved on?
That remains to be seen but perhaps the bigger question is just how will the McQueen legend react upon learning that sworn nemesis Clare is actually alive?
The excitment is real.
