This week we’re joined by a very special guest and a true icon of British soap land! She’s appeared in not one, but two soaps celebrating major milestones this year. It’s EastEnders and Hollyoaks legend Gemma Bissix.

As EastEnders and Neighbours celebrate 40 years, Hollyoaks turns 30, and Coronation Street reaches an incredible 65 – we’re talking all about the soaps! Gemma shares stories from across her iconic career, from her early days as EastEnders’ Clare Bates to becoming Hollyoaks’ ultimate villain Clare Devine. She opens up about fame at nine years old, wild fan encounters, and the joy (and chaos) of playing one of TV’s most notorious characters.

We also discuss why soaps still matter after all these years – from tackling taboo storylines and sparking national conversations to surviving in the streaming era.

Plus: Gemma’s time on Celebrity MasterChef, her Doctor Who audio adventures, and heartfelt advice on self-acceptance and living in the moment.

Make sure to tune into Hollyoaks this week as the show celebrates its 30th anniversary!

UK viewers can watch online via the Channel 4 website and international fans are able to catch up a little bit later via the official Hollyoaks YouTube channel.

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