Hollyoaks star Gemma Bissix returning to soap in behind-the-scenes role

 Gemma played the villainous Clare Devine.

Hollyoaks star Gemma Bissex is returning to the soap but this time she'll be behind-the scenes.

Gemma, who played Clare Devine from 2006 to 2007 before making returns in 2009 and 2013, will be working as a shadow director on the soap.

Speaking to The Sun, Gemma revealed she's been honing her skills as a director, working on a stage production of Cinderella.

Gemma said: "I absolutely love directing. It's incredible to have a vision and see it all come together.

"This is the second panto I have directed but last year I performed too. It's great to be able to sit back and not have the pressure of going on stage. It has turned into a real passion. But I don't think I'll ever give up acting though... I'm too much of a show off!"

Gemma's last on-screen Hollyoaks appearance was in October 2013, when her character was killed off.

Speaking at the time about why she thought Clare's return didn't resonate so much with fans, Gemma said: "When I went back in 2013, [executive producer] Bryan [Kirkwood] will be the first to admit, it was all about the red lips... blonde hair and it was all the stuff with Mercedes and Doctor Browning. There was no smiles, you didn't know the depth of it.

"The thing that made me win an award in 2007 and made Clare so good back then, you're talking 13 years ago, was because you watched it and the audience knew she was evil but none of the village did.

"The audience need to love you. It's like when you watch Killing Eve, Jodie Comer is incredible. Even though she's the bad one, that's what excites you. [The character] has to be likeable."

Hollyoaks streams first on All 4, with new episodes dropping each weekday morning. The show airs Mondays to Fridays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, and at 7pm on E4.